§ Mr. WASONasked the Secretary of State for War if the Army of Occupation is based on the principle of voluntary service or if soldiers can be selected for this Army without their consent; and if, in any case, it will be arranged that married men should not be taken while there are suitable single men available?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe explanatory note on the Armies of Occupation which I issued on the 29th January indicates the principles on which these Armies are being formed. I will send my hon. Friend a copy. Volunteers for one year's service at a time from among men who would otherwise be entitled to release are being accepted, but in order to secure the large number of men required, it is considered necessary to provide by legislation for the retention of sufficient men for a certain period after the termination of the War. A Bill for this purpose is now before the House. With regard to the suggestion in the latter part of my hon. Friend's question, I regret that I cannot undertake to make any arrangement of the kind. Length of service, age, and wounds are the main considerations governing release.