§ Mr. HOPKINSasked the Secretary of State for War if he will endeavour to release at an early date Sergeant-Major F. C. Burnard, No. 31191, Royal Army Medical Corps, 99th Field Ambulance, considering that this man joined in 1914, and that he is over forty years of age?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLSergeant-Major Burnard is not registered by the War Office either as pivotal or for special release. If his age and length of service are as stated by my hon. Friend he is eligible for demobilisation, unless he is serving under pre-war conditions of service, and his term of Colour service is not complete. If he is eligible, he will be released as soon as circumstances permit. I would remind my hon. Friend that personnel of the Royal Army Medical Corps, though eligible for demobilisation, are liable to be temporarily retained as part of the military machinery for demobilisation. Men so retained are being released as soon as their services can be spared or they can be replaced.