§ Sir JOHN BUTCHERasked the Secretary for War whether he can give any estimate of the number of soldiers who will be demobilised as a result of the recent Regulations defining extreme compassionate ground's?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIt is estimated that of the claims for demobilisation on com- 2427W passionate grounds already received by the War Office and the Commands about 20,000 cases will fall within the new rules. Applications are being received at the rate of about 1,200 a day, and a total of 30,000 releases is likely to be reached shortly. Prior to the issue of the new instructions over 24,000 soldiers were demobilised on compassionate grounds in addition to a considerable number released by General Officers Commanding-in-Chief the. Expeditionary Forces, of which no figures are available in the War Office.