§ Major Wyattasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men in the early and middle 20 release groups are being posted from this country to the Middle East in large numbers; and whether, in view of the waste of shipping involved, as the men will be returned to the United Kingdom in two to six months' time, he will take steps to prevent further such postings.
§ Mr. LawsonThe instructions regarding overseas posting are varied from time to time, to keep pace with the programme of anticipated releases, and to avoid uneconomical travel. Under a recent decision drafts for the Middle East and other of the more distant Commands are now confined as far as possible to men who are in age and service groups 32 or later or those who have volunteered to serve on. This is a general guiding rule, to which exceptions may be made, as previously. Where exceptions are necessary, selection is made from as late a group as possible. So far as officers are concerned, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the statement I made to the House to-day.
§ Lieut. - Commander Joynson Hicksasked the Secretary of State for War what is the upper age limit for men to be posted overseas; and how many in the age-service groups up to 20, were sent overseas between 1st July and 30th September last.
§ Mr. LawsonAs has already been explained to hon. Members, there is no rigid upper age limit for overseas service. Postings to distant theatres are restricted as far as possible to personnel not due for early release and are regulated, in general, according to age and service group. This system automatically limits the postings of older men. The instructions vary from 963W time to time to keep pace with the anticipated programme of releases, and I regret that I could not answer the last part of the Question without very considerable re-seach and adminstrative work.