§ Major HENDERSONasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether be is aware that Stoker Donald W. Sime, No. K.27173, who originally joined the Royal Marines in June, 1915, and was transferred to the Royal Navy, was drafted to the "Caspian" when his late ship "Monitor No. 22" was put out of commission; and whether, in view of the length of this man's service and the fact that he is an 1484W apprentice who has not yet completed his time, he will issue instructions for his release at an early date?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI am making inquiry, and will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend.
§ Mr. TOOTILLasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that certain firms refused to make application for the demobilisation of apprentices who were in their employment previous to the War, on the ground that these apprentices enrolled as war munition volunteers and had to leave their employment on being transferred elsewhere by the Ministry of Munitions; and whether, in view of the fact that these apprentices answered the country's call for volunteers, special consideration will be given to applications for their demobilisation provided employment is guaranteed for them?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI would refer to the answer given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Torquay on Tuesday last to the effect that students and apprentices are being treated on the same footing as regards demobilisation as other soldiers.
§ Major HENDERSONasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that No. T/422505, Driver Samuel Neill, No. 1001 Company, Royal Army Service Corps, attached 4th Cavalry Divisional Transport, Egyptian Expeditionary Force, has been on active service in Egypt since May, 1915, having originally belonged to the l/7th Scottish Rifles, and that this man is an apprentice; and whether in this case, and in other cases where apprentices joined before 1st January, 1916, he is prepared to issue instructions for such man to be given priority of inclusion in dispersal drafts?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLApprentices who are eligible for demobilisation under current instructions are being demobilised as the exigencies of the Service permit, and are included in dispersal drafts in accordance with the order of priority at present in force. Each dispersal draft includes, as far as possible, a proportion of men of all classes as laid down in the order of priority.