HC Deb 21 July 1919 vol 118 cc930-2W
Mr. CHADWICK

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that an application for the release of Drummer D. Forbes, No. 30141, South Lancashire Regiment, was made so long as twenty months ago, and that although repeated applications have since been made no satisfactory reply has up to the present been given; and whether, in view of the fact that this lad is now only fifteen and a half years of age, and enlisted without the consent of his parents, he will cause immediate instructions to be given for his release?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I regret the delay in this case. which arose through the original documents of Drummer Forbes having been lost apparently in the post. His age has now been verified from the duplicate documents, and instructions issued for his discharge to be carried out forthwith.

Mr. R. M'LAREN

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that application has been made for the demobilisation of Sergeant James Clark, No. 5441, 1st Platoon, W Company, Army of the Rhine, by his late employers, for the purpose of enabling him to work a special machine in a print works in the Airdrie district of Lanarkshire, and that, owing to the refusal of his Department to grant him his release, the machine is standing and fifty persons are idle; and will he give instructions to have him released, so that these persons may be employed?

Mr. CHURCHILL

If Sergeant Clark's case comes within any of the categories prescribed in the Memorandum published on the 17th inst., he will be released accordingly.

Mr. SWAN

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Sapper H. Morris, No. 151769, Royal Engineers, Headquarters, Lines of Communications Signals, Salonika, aged thirty-seven years five months, attested 11th December, 1915, and joined the Colours, 10th February, 1916; whether Sapper Morris has had no leave since the date of his enlistment; and whether, having regard to Morris's long absence from England, he will give an assurance that he will be speedily released?

Mr. CHURCHILL

If Sapper Morris's age is as stated by my hon. Friend, he will be demobilised in accordance with the instructions recently issued making provision for the early release of all men eligible for demobilisation.

Sir J. D. REES

asked the Secretary of State for War why the release cannot now be sanctioned of Private J. Thompson, No. 286215 Royal Army Service Corps (Mechanical Transport), 977th Company, Norwich, who, being close upon thirty-seven years of age, having joined under the Derby Scheme, is detained on military duty on the East Coast, while he is urgently required for work connected with our export trade in Nottingham?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Private Thompson is not registered by the War Office either as pivotal or for special release, and I am also informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour that he is not so registered by his Department. I would, however, refer my hon. Friend to the memorandum issued last week. If this soldier comes within any of the categories prescribed therein he will be released accordingly.