HC Deb 29 May 1919 vol 116 cc1440-1W
Captain LOSEBY

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken to replace soldiers whose demobilisation is overdue but who are being temporarily retained in the Army on the ground that they form a necessary part of the machinery of demobilisation?

Mr. FORSTER

All soldiers who are eligible for demobilisation but are being temporarily retained as part of the military machinery for demobilisation are being replaced as rapidly as possible by men who are not eligible for demobilisation. Where, however, they are performing duties of a special nature, the men who are to replace them have to undergo a course of instruction, and in such cases they cannot be replaced until the latter are able to perform the duties required of them satisfactorily. Senior officers have been appointed to inspect unit registers with a view to ensuring that no officers or men who are eligible for demobilisation are being retained without good and sufficient cause.