§ Mr. R. McNEILLasked the Secretary of State for War why men in No. 5 General Hospital, Rouen, who have served since 1914 or 1915 and have employment awaiting them at home are not considered eligible for demobilisation?
Captain GUESTIt is necessary in some cases temporarily to retain men whose services are required even though they may be eligible for demobilisation. Men so required are liable to be retained until they can be replaced or their services can be dispensed with, but every effort is being made to replace men so retained as early as possible. This applies particularly in the case of certain departmentaal servics, amongst which is included the Royal Army Medical Corps, whose services are essential to demobilisation. I do not think there is any reason to believe that the hospital referred to is being treated on a different footing to others.