§ 6. Mr. Callaghanasked the Secretary of State for War on what basis he has decided that a further three groups may be demobilised by next July.
§ Mr. J. FreemanProgrammes announced far in advance, such as that issued in November last year, must always be subject to revision in the light of events. The progress of releases is regularly reviewed and it recently became clear that we would be justified in making the acceleration referred to in the Question.
§ 7. Mr. Callaghanasked the Secretary of State for War how many additional men will be released as a result of the decision to demobilise up to Group 53 by July.
§ Mr. J. FreemanThe number in the three additional groups to be released was, when the last check was made, of the order of 50,000. The exact numbers will depend on the number of men in these groups who may enlist, remain in the Army on bounty engagements, or defer their release voluntarily.