HC Deb 17 July 1919 vol 118 c627W
Mr. SWAN

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men of the 5th Provisional Company, attached to the 3rd Gloucester Regiment, Catterick Camp, were placed in this corps through being medically unfit for other units, and that they are now practically doing nothing with the exception of escorting prisoners of war about; and, as they are nearly all married men and a big expense to the country, can he now see his way to release them?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The men of the battalion referred to by the hon. Member are wanted for the duties of escorting prisoners of war, and I regret that I cannot authorise their release unless they are eligible for demobilisation. Such of these men as are eligible will be released in accordance with the instructions recently issued making provision for the early release of all men eligible for demobilisation?