§ Major LLOYD-GREAMEasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Captain L. C. J. Newman, 13th Ordnance Depot, A.P.C.S., 21, British Expeditionary Force, France; whether he is aware that this officer joined the Honourable Artillery Company in August, 1914; that from June, 1918, to April, 1919, he was second in command of the ordnance factory at Juval in Paris; that he has been offered a good commercial position in England; that the officer commanding the ordnance factory reported that he could be spared, and recommended his demobilisation; that notwithstanding theses facts he was ordered to replace an officer with less service elsewhere; that unless he is demobilised promptly he will lose an exceptional opportunity of restarting in civil life; and whether, in view of those facts, he will give instructions for this officer's prompt demobilisation?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLCaptain Newman is not registered by the War Office either as pivotal or for special release. If this officer's services are not required he will be released as soon as circumstances permit. I would refer to the statement I have already made in the House, to the effect that senior officers have been appointed to inspect unit registers, with a view to ensuring that no officer or man who is eligible for demobilisation is being retained without good and sufficient cause.