HC Deb 29 July 1919 vol 118 cc1950-2W
Major W: MURRAY

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Corporal W. D. Mitchell, No. 79297, Royal Army Medical Corps, No. 2 Egyptian Stationary Hospital, Ludd, British Troops in Egypt, can now be released, seeing that he enlisted in November, 1915, and is forty-three years of age?

Mr.CHURCHILL

If Corporal Mitchell's age and length of service are as stated by my hon. and gallant Friend, he will be demobilised in accordance with the instructions recently issued making provision for the early release of all men eligible for demobilisation.

Major BIRCHALL

asked the Secretary of State for War why Captain G. W. L. Kirk, R.A.M.C., who joined the Army in August, 1914, has not yet been demobilised, in spite of the fact that his application for release has been agreed to by the War Office and by the A.D.M.S., No. 5 Area, who stated that he could be spared?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Captain Kirk is employed as a bacteriologist, and I regret that his services cannot be spared at present. Every endeavour is being made to release him at the earliest possible date.

Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give instructions for the immediate release of Private F. Frith, No. 63510, 13th Yorks Depot Company, Archangel, who is thirty-nine years old, has employment waiting for him, whose wife is unable, owing to the expense of prolonged illness, to maintain herself and her children on his allowances?

Captain GUEST

Private Frith's case has been carefully considered on compassionate grounds, but as it was not of such extreme urgency to warrant his immediate demobilisation on those grounds, it was refused. I may add that it is hoped to make arrangements for all troops who landed in Russia prior to 1st February, 1919, to leave for England by the end of August, excepting, of course, those who have volunteered to remain.

Mr. WATERSON

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Corporal W. Coker, No. 358519, Royal Garrison Artillery, care of Ordnance Officer, 10th Corps Troops, Army of Occupation, Bonn, Germany, was applied for by his employers in December, 1918, according to Army orders; that his employers are seriously handicapped owing to the man's retention; that employment is waiting for him; that he is thirty-seven years of age within a few weeks; and whether he can expedite his release?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Corporal Coker 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. In the absence of full particulars as to his length of service, etc., I am unable to state whether he is at present eligible for demobilisation, but if he is eligible he will be released in accordance with the Instructions recently issued. Should this not be the case, he will become eligible on attaining the age of thirty-seven, and will be released in his turn.