HC Deb 26 November 1946 vol 430 cc256-7W
135. Sir I. Fraser

asked the Secretary of State for War in what recent cases demobilisation of individuals or categories have been deferred beyond their due date; and for what reason.

Mr. Bellenger

At the end of last month 138 officers and 238 other ranks in age and service groups 41 and earlier were held individually under the Military Necessity Clause of the Release Scheme. Such deferments may be authorised by General Officers Commanding-in-Chief overseas and the War Office at home where the military situation demands the individual's retention. Ninety per cent. of the men had been held for less than two months and many will by now have been released