HC Deb 27 February 1919 vol 112 c1973W
Colonel ASHLEY

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the memorandum, dealing with the Armies of Occupation promises release to men who enlisted before 1st January, 1916, presumably on the ground that their original enlistment was voluntary, whereas the first Military Service Act was dated 27th January, 1916, and did not come into operation until twenty-one days later, or 17th February, 1916, he will extend a like concession to all men who voluntarily enlisted between the 1st January, 1916, and the 17th February, 1916?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The date of 1st January, 1916, was selected with the intention, among other things, of not drawing an invidious distinction between men who volunteered and those enlisted under the Military Service Acts. I regret that my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion cannot be entertained.