HC Deb 03 June 1919 vol 116 c1849W
Mr. CLOUGH

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the announcement that special scrutiny is to be made by senior officers of the claims of men who consider themselves eligible for demobilisation, he will also instruct them to take into consideration whether these men could not be performing in civil life more useful and urgent duties than are entrusted to them under military routine?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I am informed that no man who is eligible for demobilisation is retained unless he is considered essential for the machinery of demobilisation,i.e., his services are necessary to carry out efficiently and smoothly the speedy demobilisation of the Army, a matter of vital importance. Those who are temporarily retained for this purpose are being released as soon as others who are not eligible for demobilisation can be trained to carry out the required duties satisfactorily.