§ Mr. W. R. SMITHasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the fact 632W that the 20 per cent. of soldiers allowed to be retained on the land have been notified by their commandants that so long as they remain on such work they will not henceforth be entitled to any pay or allowance from Army funds, separation allowance for families, forfeit all claims to Army pension if injured in the course of their work, and this whilst remaining liable to being under military rule and to being recalled to the Colours; that such instructions have been issued since the recall of the 80 per cent. of soldiers for duty in the Army and that such withdrawal of allowances, especially separation allowance, has been and is creating severe hardship on these men and, as a result of such conditions, the men are being forced by economic pressure to apply for recall to the Colours from the fact that they cannot provide for two homes out of the wages paid to land workers; whether he is aware that such action is creating a serious condition of things to farmers who had these men in their employ; and whether he will take immediate steps to have this grievance removed?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe conditions of the civil employment of these men are as stated and have been clearly explained to them. In case of injury they have their rights under the Workmen's Compensation Acts. Those who chose to remain did so of their own free will, and I do not understand how severe hardship can have resulted.