HC Deb 26 May 1919 vol 116 cc858-9W
Mr. SPOOR

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the office telegraphists attached to the Royal Engineers in Mesopotamia have been transferred to an Indian signal company on the disbandment of their company; whether these men are now being employed on paid civil revenue-producing work under the control of the Indian Telegraph Department; and whether, seeing that the Eurasians and military telegraphists proper to the Indian telegraph department are capable of dealing with all the existing civilian work, he will order the demobilisation of these men?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Inquiries are being made, and I will let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there are a large number of men entitled to demobilisation in the Army in Mesopotamia; and whether some arrangements can be made to bring them back before they have to spend another hot season, in that part of the world?

Mr. FORSTER

I regret I am unable to add anything further to the full statement on this subject which was circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT of 6th May last. I will send my hon. Friend a copy.