Mr. T. WILSONasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Second-Corporals F. C. Green and T. G. Turley, Royal Engineers Signal Depot. Biggleswade, are receiving approximately £350 and £340 per annum in civil wages, Army pay, separation allowances, and food allowances from the State, in addition to the cost of clothing, billeting, and administrative expenses, whilst for the past nine months their duties have consisted of taking charge of fatigue parties, picking up wood and cleaning bath-houses, and also in charge of small conducting parties and of other work totally unconnected with the technical side of the Signal Service, of which they are certified experts; whether he is aware that both these non-commissioned officers are married men and officers of the Post Office Engineering Department who voluntarily joined the forces during the War, and who are now desirous of re turning to their civil duties but who are prevented from doing so under present Regulations; and whether he will take steps with a view to securing the early release from the Army of all Post Office engineering staff who are engaged in work other than that for which they specially enlisted and for which they are specially paid?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am informed that the two non-commissioned officers mentioned have, for the last nine months, been employed as instructors in technical subjects. In fact, their applications to go abroad were refused, as they could not be spared from this duty. As non-commissioned officers, they would occasionally be in charge of fatigue parties in the ordinary course of their duties. They are not eligible for demobilisation, and since 25th June have been preparing for drafting overseas. Every endeavour is being made to release men who are eligible for demobilisation.