HC Deb 19 March 1919 vol 113 cc2111-2W
Sir K. WOOD

asked the Secretary of State for War whether men who attested under the Derby scheme in 1915, although for the convenience of the authorities not called to the Colours until 5th March, 1916, will be subject to the provisions of the Army and Navy Bill; whether the fact that men have served in France for upwards of seventeen months will be any grounds for their exemption from service; and what steps will be taken to protect the businesses and secure employment for men who will be subject to the provisions of the measure?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I would point out that it was in no way for the convenience of the authorities that men who attested under the Derby scheme were not called to the Colours till a date later than the date of their attestation. After having attested they were allowed a certain amount of time before being called to the Colours in order to settle their family and business affairs, and this was for their own indi- vidual convenience. The fact of a man having served seventeen months in France or even longer is not of itself sufficient to entitle him to demobilisation if he is not eligible under current instructions.

Sir HERBERT NIELD

asked the Secretary of State for War whether J. Peace Staples, of 41, Egerton Gardens, Ealing, who attested under the Derby scheme, Group No. 30/267, No. U 96651, in November, 1915, and who in December, 1916, was called to the Colours and posted to the Royal Flying Corps, was duty enrolled as a soldier and subject to the King's Regulations?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I have no information as to the individual case referred to by my hon. and learned Friend. A recruit attested under the Derby scheme in the circumstances stated was granted pay for one day, and then passed to the Army Reserve until called up for service. While in the Reserve he was subject to the Reserve Forces Acts, and on being called to the Colours he became subject to the Army Act and all Regulations issued under the authority of that Act.