§ Mr. CAIRNSasked the Secretary of State for War whether Sapper D. Logan, No. 282320, L Signal Battalion, Royal Engineers, Havre Detachment, Army Post Office 1, La Havre, France, is forty-one years of age and is unable to secure demobilisation; whether Sapper Logan was with the 56th Divisional Signal Company up till the 2lst February, 1919, when he was transferred to the 4th Army; whether, before transfer, he had an interview with the commanding officer, Royal Engineers, in the endeavour to secure release on compassionate grounds; whether he was informed that his demobilisation would not suffer and that he was certain to be released within three months; whether he has been subsequently transferred to the D Corps Signal Company and to the 4th Area Signal Company; whether men of similar age and service have been released from each of these units; and whether, in view of the very definite promise given by him, he will take immediate steps to release Sapper Logan?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIf Sapper Logan's age is as stated by my hon. Friend, he will be released in accordance with the instructions recently issued making provision for the early release of all men eligible for demobilisation.
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§ Mr. CAIRNSasked the Secretary of State for War whether Sapper W. J. Harris, No. 77822, Royal Engineers-(Signals), joined up on the 9th November, 1915, and has served in Egypt, Mudros, Chios, Salonika, Bulgaria, and Turkey, without home leave; whether he is at present at Constantinople; whether he has, been told that he cannot be spared; and whether he will see that his promise runs in the isolated fields'!
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIf Sapper Harris joined the Colours for immediate service is 1915 he will be demobilised in accordance with the instructions recently issued making provision for the early release of. all men eligible for demobilisation. With regard to the last part of the question, the above-mentioned instruction is being carried out in all theatres of war with the exception of India and Russia, for which special arrangements are being made.
§ Mr. RATCLIFFEasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Gunner E. Clough, No. 108683, who joined up in 1916 and who was at that time a first-class clerk in the service of the Bradford Third Equitable Building Society, being the second largest society in England, is at the present time at Avington Park, Winchester, doing nothing of any real importance, whilst his late employers are most anxious to have him back at a salary of not less than £5 per week on work of the greatest importance connected with the housing of the people; and will he inquire into this case with a view to his early demobilisation?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLAn application was received by the War Office on behalf of Gunner Clough, but after careful consideration it was decided that, as it was not of such extreme urgency as to warrant his immediate release, it could not be sanctioned. If, however, this soldier's case comes within any of the categories prescribed in the Memorandum recently published, he will be released accordingly.