§ Mr. MACQUISTENasked the Secretary of State for War whether the 1914–15 men in the East are to be demobilised now; and whether he will have demobilised Second Air-mechanic Joseph Stack, No. 671223, Aden Flight, Royal Scottish Fusiliers, Aden, Arabia, and 28, Vulcan, Street, Spring burn, Glasgow, who was a Territorial in 1914 and volunteered for and was sent to the East in 1915, and has had no home leave since and whose employers are anxious for his return?
§ Major-General SEELYAirmen who have been serving since 1914–15 are eligible for demobilisation and will be sent home from the East as soon as possible. But, owing to the climatic conditions and the consequent impossibility of sending out drafts to complete the reliefs, it has been necessary to retain many of these men in order to maintain the essential units as efficient fighting units in India, Mesopotamia and Aden. The demobilisation of these men will not, therefore, take place before August next at the earliest. No. 671223 2nd Air-mechanic Joseph Stack will be demobilised in his turn with other air men similarly situated as soon as circumstances permit.
§ Mr. RAMSDENasked the Secretary of State for War whether the Army medical authorities are paying special attention to the health of those men in Eastern climes who, owing to long service often without leave, are gradually becoming debilitated; and whether, in these cases, consideration is shown to all thus affected, irrespective of age or length of service?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe health of the troops serving in tropical and sub-tropical climates is carefully considered by the 163W medical authorities, special attention being paid to those who have served for a long period without leave. The men who are considered unfit for continued service in a particular country are transferred to England as soon as practicable, irespective of their age or length of service.