Sir J. D. REESasked the Secretary for War why delay has occurred in demobilising one-man business men who have not left the United Kingdom, and are doing little or no good in the Army; and why men due for demobilisation when on leave are made to travel long distances to certain depots and stations in order to satisfy routine requirements before they are actually released from military service?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLMy hon. Friend will be aware from the recent Army Order making provision for the composition of the Armies of Occupation, that the fact that a man is the proprietor of a one-man business is not of itself sufficient to render him eligible for demobilisation, unless he is otherwise eligible under the Army Order. With regard to the second part of the question, men are sent to the dispersal station which is nearest to their address, and I do not think any other method of release would further minimize travelling.