§ 84. Mr. Stephenasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the release of all senior ranks, sergeants and above, in age and service group 42, R.A.O.C, 5.B.O.D., M.E.L.F., has been deferred; and whether he will take steps 5W to see that these men are released at an early date.
§ Mr. BellengerI am aware that there is a considerable shortage of senior ranks of the R.A O.C. in Middle East; special efforts are being made to supply reinforcements from other sources, to minimise the need for compulsory deferment. I am satisfied that the power to defer personnel compulsorily will not be used, in these or other cases, unless deferment is really necessary and until each individual case has been considered on its merits.