§ Mr. RENDALLasked the Secretary for War why Private F. Hayes, No. 60,524, C Company, Royal Scottish Fusiliers, attached to the Lincolnshire Regiment, No. 1 camp, Old Park, Canterbury (depot, Ayr, Scotland), has not been demobilised and discharged, seeing that he is over 37 years of age, was called to the Colours 4th August, 1914, and has already served three years and two months over his time?
§ Major Earl WINTERTONasked the Secretary for War if a number of men over forty-one who voluntarily enlisted are still being retained at the Royal Artillery Section, General Headquarters, Expeditionary Force; and how soon they may expect to be released?
Captain GUESTMen eligible for demobilisation under the present Army Orders making provision for the composi-1160W tion of the Armies of Occupation will be demobilised as the exigencies of the Service and transportation facilities permit, or if required temporarily for the military machinery of demobilisation, as and when they can be individually substituted or dispensed with. These Orders are already in force. From the information given, Private Hayes would appear to be eligible for demobilisation, but my hon. Friend will no doubt appreciate that there has not yet been sufficient time to demobilise everybody who is eligible for demobilisation under such Army Orders.
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Secretary for War (1) whether he will give orders for the immediate demobilisation of Private J. A. Scampton, No. 60191, Royal Army Medical Corps, Military Infection Hospital, Chonbra, Cairo, a man of over forty-five, who enlisted in June, 1915, and since October, 1915, has served continuously with the Eastern Expeditionary Force, with only four days' leave at Alexandria; (2) whether he will give instructions for the release of Private G. Andrews, No. 138458, Royal Army Medical Corps, York Place Military Hospital, Brighton, a one-man business man of over forty-one, whose business is being ruined by his long absence?
Captain GUESTMen who are over thirty-seven years of age will be demobilised as the exigencies of the Service permit, or if temporarily required for the military machinery of demobilisation, as and when they can be individually substituted or dispensed with. I have no doubt the soldiers referred to will be released in due course.