§ Mr. HARTSHORNasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the local advisory committee on 28th January recommended the release of Private E. C. Rees, No. 200510, E.V.P.M.T. Department, British Army of the Rhine; and whether, having regard to such recommendation, Private Rees is entitled to be demobilised?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLPrivate Rees is not registered by the War Office either as pivotal or for special release. I am also informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour that he is not so registered by his Department. The recommendation referred to by my hon. Friend was probably a contract offer of employment such as to obtain the soldier's registration as a "slip man," but this does not entitle him to immediate release. Fresh instructions have recently been issued providing for the early demobilisation of men who are eligible and, if Private Rees is eligible, he will be released in accordance with these instructions.
§ Mr. J. BROWNasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there are a number of men in the 1st Northern Non-Combatant Corps, France, who are eligible for demobilisation but cannot get their release; and whether he will make inquiries as to the reason for retaining E. J. Baldey, No. 1577; J. Bobbett, No. 432; J. C. Brown, No. 3487; A. Barnet, No. 351; A. Dadley, No. 280; G. W. Edmund, No. 95; J. G. Jobson, No. 107; and W. H. Shaw, No. 104, who are over thirty-seven years of age, and A. H. Blackman, No. 1; W. It. Cracknell, No. 491; K. Hawkes, No. 607; J. W. Pompet, No. 477; and A. Rainbow, No. 562, who are registered pivotal men?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLFresh instructions have recently been issued, making provision for the early release of all men who are eligible for demobilisation. If the first-mentioned eight men are over thirty-seven, as stated by my hon. Friend, they will be released in accordance with the instructions referred to. The remaining five men are registered as pivotal, and 1413W their demobilisation will also be carried out in accordance with the same instructions.
§ Captain W. BENNasked the Secretary of State for War whether Private Frank Dodson, No. 201303, l/5th East Surrey Regiment, demobilisation draft, sent from Mesopotamia to India for repatriation in April, who joined the forces on 28th September, 1915, and whose employers have applied for his release, is eligible for demobilisation; and if so, why is he being detained?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Chippenham, together with the answers given to supplementary questions last Wednesday, to which I regret I have nothing to add.