§ Major Nieldasked the Secretary of State for War if he is able to say what proportion of our troops serving overseas are of, or over, the age of 40; and if any special consideration is given to applications by these men for home posting?
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§ Sir J. GriggI regret that the available statistics do not enable me to answer the first part of the Question. In view of shipping limitations and operational requirements transfers to the home establishment other than for service reasons can only be considered in the case of ill-health, or in the case of an officer or soldier who has served abroad continuously for at least six years or on extreme compassionate grounds when the physical presence at home of the officer or soldier is essential.
§ Major Nieldasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has further considered the question of reducing the period of six years after which a soldier serving abroad may be posted home; and whether he can now state the Government's decision upon it?
§ Sir J. GriggThere are still a number of men overseas who have been overseas for more than six years and until it has been possible to bring these home it is premature to consider a reduction in the present qualifying period.