§ 90. Mr. Stephenasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that men of the R.A.S.C. with five and a half years of service, three and a half years C.M.F., Group 36, who were due for demobilisation on the first week in August, have been informed that their demobilisation has been postponed for two months till October; and if he will take steps to see that these men are released in August.
§ Mr. BellengerSteps are being taken to furnish R.A.S.C. reinforcements to C.M.F., and it may be that it will not in the event prove necessary to defer the release of the men in question. In view of the general manpower position in this command to which my right hon. Friend referred in his reply to my hon. Friends the Members for Maldon (Mr. Driberg) and South Cardiff (Mr. Callaghan) on 9th July, I cannot, however, guarantee that all the men will be released on the due date.
§ Sir H. Lucas-Toothasked the Secretary of State for War how many officers of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, have served for periods of over three, four, five and six years, respectively; how many 117W such officers are now due for Class A release, but have been deferred as operationally vital; and how many new officers have been posted to the battalion during the course of the past three months.
§ Mr. LawsonIt has been necessary to refer to Middle East Command for information regarding any postings or deferments since the last periodical return. This has not yet been received but I will write to the hon. Member as soon as it arrives.