§ Sir SAMUEL ROBERTSasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that dissatisfaction is felt amongst soldiers who, having been prisoners of war 2262W in Germany, and owing to statements made in Parliament last year, expected their release from the Army on their return to this country, now find they have to rejoin their units after two months' furlough; and whether he is prepared to give these men preferential treatment?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI regret I can add nothing to the answer given to the hon. Members for Kettering and Bishop Auckland on the 25th of February and to the hon. Member for Cardiff (Central) on the 13th inst. It would not be right to confer a privilege upon repatriated prisoners of war as against their comrades in the fighting line. If men are fit in bodily health, they must be treated alike, according to the age and categories prescribed, irrespective of whether they are repatriated, prisoners or not. Repatriated prisoners who are eligible for demobilisation under current instructions may be demobilised during or at the end of their two months' furlough if they so desire. As regards statements made in last Parliament, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers given by the War Office on the 7th November last and the 15th November and 31st October, 1917, to the effect that repatriated soldiers would be considered for purposes of discharge in the same manner as any other soldier.