§ Mr. FOREMANasked the Secretary of State for War whether the Air Ministry is still appealing for recruits; and, if so, why it is discharging the men now in its employ without notice and without any allowance?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe answer to the first part of the question is, that the Royal Air Force have a shortage of men in certain trades and a surplus in others, and that, in consequence, recruits are being accepted for the former trades while men are being discharged from the latter classes. The answer to the second part is, that men are only discharged on the termination of their engagements, except in the case of those who enlisted or extended their engagements under the terms of what is called the Army of Occupation Scheme, by which a man undertook to serve for one year after the termination of the War or for such less period as his services may be required. If a man enlisted for the first time under this scheme after 11th November, 1918, he is not entitled to demobilisation benefits. The principle is that no man is allowed to draw demobilisation benefits twice, nor is any man discharged for misconduct entitled to these benefits.