§ Mr. NEIL M'LEANasked the Secretary of State for War whether Army Form B 2,512a, signed by the recruits under the Derby scheme, was a contract to release all those men six months after the termination of hostilities; whether the six months period terminated on Sunday, 11th May; whether arrangements have been completed to release those men; and, if not, upon what day they may expect release?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLRecruits under the Derby scheme attested for the duration of the War. Recruits attesting on Army Form B 2512 (of which Army Form 1367W B 2512a is the copy which was handed to the recruit) agreed, if employed with the units referred to in question 11 on such form, to serve for a further period of six months after the termination of hostilities. The expression "termination of hostilities" has the same meaning as the term "duration of the War," and I would point out to the hon. Member that the period of the duration of the War has not yet expired. Furthermore, hostilities have not terminated, the Armistice operating as a suspension of hostilities only. It is impossible to say at the present time upon what date such men may expect to be released, as if they are not eligible for demobilisation under current instructions they are liable to be retained for the Armies of Occupation.