§ Mr. REMERasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now make any statement as to the demobilisation of married soldiers and the release of other on compassionate grounds; whether the only son of an impecunious widow is a reason for release on compassionate grounds; and whether he will consider the release of business men from the Army urgently required for commerce who were only called up for service after several periods of exemption by tribunals?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLFresh instructions have recently been published broadcast defining "extreme compassionate grounds" and governing releases on such grounds. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy. If the case to which he refers falls within any of the categories prescribed therein, and he will obtain a statement giving full facts and particulars, certified as set out in the instructions, the case will be considered. With regard to the last part of the question, the eligibility of all men is governed by Army Order 55 of 1919, and I regret that at the present time I cannot consider the release of men who are not eligible under that Army Order.