HC Deb 05 June 1919 vol 116 cc2243-4W
Mr. BENNETT

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that a number of men over age in No. 1 Light Railway Signal Company, Rhine Signals, Germany, have been refused demobilisation; and whether they are entitled to it under the Regulations?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I am not aware that men who are eligible are being refused demobilisation, but I would remind my hon. Friend that personnel of the Royal Engineers, though eligible for demobilisation, are liable to be temporarily retained as part of the military machinery of demobilisation until their services can be spared or they can be replaced. Men so retained are being replaced as rapidly as possible by men who are not eligible for demobilisation, but in the majority of cases the latter have to undergo a course of instruction before they are capable of carrying out the required duties satisfactorily.