§ Mr. H. M'LARENasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that his Department is in many cases ignoring the promises given by him that men over thirty-seven year of age would be demobilised; and whether he is prepared to take-disciplinary action in the case of commanding officers and members of the staff of the demobilisation Department of the War Office who refuse to carry out his pledges in this matter?
Captain GUESTThe demobilisation of all men over thirty-seven, except those-who are serving under pre-war conditions of service and have not completed their term of Colour service, is proceeding as rapidly as the exigencies of the Service permit. I am not aware of any man over thirty-seven years of age who is eligible for demobilisation, being retained unless he falls within one of the categories prescribed in the schedule of Army Order 55 as being liable to temporary retention as part of the military machinery for demobilisation until his services can be spared or he can be replaced. Men so retained are being replaced by men who are not eligible for demobilisation, as rapidly as possible. Senior officers have been appointed to inspect registers of units with a. view to ensuring that no officers or men 59W who are eligible for demobilisation are being retained without good and sufficient cause.