HC Deb 29 April 1919 vol 115 cc29-30W
Mr. RAMSDEN

asked the Secretary of State for War why compassionate grounds are refused in the case of David Arthur Rukin, No. 219522, 1098th Battery, Royal Field Artillery, 227th Brigade, Kirkee, India, seeing that his wife is ordered an operation but cannot undergo it till her husband returns to look after her little children in her absence, the more so as Rukin is over thirty-seven years of age and has been in India over two years?

Mr. CHURCHILL

My hon. Friend has furnished me with further details, and the case is being carefully considered. I will acquaint my hon. Friend of the result as soon as I am in a position to do so.

Major NEWMAN

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will inquire into the cause of the delay in demobilising Private S. Y. Calder, Army Service Corps (Mechanical Transport), 1,009th Company, B Section, Egyptian Expeditionary Force, a man in a low medical category and over thirty-six years of age, at present acting as an officer's servant; whether the War Office have already wired for this man's release; and whether, in view of the responsible situation waiting for him on his return, they will be able to expedite his demobilisation?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Instructions have been given for the demobilisation of Private Calder, but whether this can take place immediately depends upon the exigencies of the Service and the situation in Egypt.