§ Mr. Dobbieasked the Secretary of State for War, whether he is aware that elderly railwaymen are being retained with the armed forces whilst younger men are being released for duty with the railway companies; and whether, in conjunction with the responsible railway authorities, he will devise a scheme under which men will be released strictly in accordance with their seniority in the railway service.
§ Mr. EdenReleases of railwaymen from the Army are carried out at the request of railway companies, submitted through the Ministry of Transport. Individuals are asked for by name, and are released if they can be spared from military duty. The men whose releases are sought are naturally those of grades which are most urgently needed.