HC Deb 04 March 1919 vol 113 cc239-40W
Mr. PRESTON

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can have the case investigated of Sergeant E. S. P. Ashmore, No. 4635, Army Pay Corps, care of Embarkation Paymaster, Port No. 1, Southampton, who enlisted December, 1914, and for whom three applications have been stamped and forwarded by the City of London Employment Exchange; and when this man, for whom his late place in a firm is being kept open, is likely to be demobilised?

Mr. CHURCHILL

From the information given by my hon. Friend, Sergeant Ashmore would appear to be eligible for demobilisation, but if he is temporarily required for the military machinery of demobilisation, he is liable to be retained until he can be substituted or his services dispensed with. Every effort is being made to replace men so retained as early as possible. The applications to which my hon. Friend refers would appear to be the usual "contract" offers of employment. Sergeant Ashmore is not registered either as pivotal or for special release.

Mr. RENDALL

asked the Secretary of State for War why Lance-Corporal W. H. Manley, No. R/259214, now stationed at 72nd Squadron, Royal Army Service Corps (Remounts), Shirehampton, Bristol, forty-two and a half years of age, a one-man business man, and married, is still retained in the Army although he has made business arrangements for employing a large number of employés and has applied for discharge many weeks ago; whether the discharges from the nine squadrons of this camp are being unnecessarily delayed and causing dissatisfaction; and will he see that the form A.F.Z. 56 instructing the commanding officer to release this man is at once sent to him?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I am informed that Lance-Corporal Manley is not registered either as pivotal or for special release; there is no unnecessary delay in sending men from Shirehampton for dispersal, and men who are eligible for demobilisation are being demobilised as the exigencies of the Service permit; this man would appear to be eligible for demobilisation, and if so will no doubt be released in due course.

Forward to