HC Deb 01 December 1919 vol 122 c54W
Mr. SWAN

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a number of men serving with the 18th Divisional Signal Company in Mesopotamia are unable to secure demobilisation although they are working on civilian telegraph work; whether he is aware that Sapper W. Ore, No. 152115, of the 31st Divisional Signal Company, who joined the Colours on the 1st March, 1916, and who has been three years in the East, has endeavoured since April without success to obtain leave or release for the purpose of seeing his dying mother; whether Sapper E. C. M'Cartie, No. 127844, of the 18th Divisional Signals, Sapper E. Spencer, No. 165101, and E. J. Williams, No. 151998, both of the 31st Divisional Signals, all of whom attested in 1915, have been in the East for long periods and are unable to secure demobilisation; whether Sapper A. W. Ling, No. 149092, and Sapper J. P. Reddy, who attested in 1916, have been three years in the East; and whether, having regard to the serious discontent which exists, he will cause inquiries to be made with a view to securing their demobilisation at the earliest possible moment?

Mr. FORSTER

The telegraph offices in Mesopotamia opened for military work accept civil messages, but this does not in any way retard demobilisation, and every effort is being made to release men. With regard to the specific cases mentioned, Sappers W. Ore and J. P. Reddy were demobilised in September, the former on compassionate grounds; Sappers E. Spencer and E. J. Williams were demobilised in October; Sapper A. W. Ling was admitted to hospital whenen route for England and will follow when he is fit; and Sapper E. C. M'Cartie has not yet been released as he is ineligible for demobilisation at present.