§ 108. Mr. Sharpasked the Secretary of State for War what is the estimated monthly rate of demobilisation from the Army during the last three months of 1948; how this compares with the August rate; and what action is being taken to transfer to useful work those who cannot now be fully employed in the administration of the demobilisation procedure.
§ Mr. ShinwellIt is estimated that approximately 23,000 officers and men will be released from the Army during the last three months of 1948. This figure includes men who had left units in distant stations before release was suspended and will not arrive home till October, men who have deferred their release for fixed periods, and men deferred.as operationally vital. It also includes an allowance for the re-opening of release in December. Approximately 28,000 were released in August. Staff of the Demobilisation Centres, who will not be fully employed while release is suspended, have been placed at the disposal of the Commands in which the Centres are situated for use on other work.