asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that much hardship is caused to reservists who receive notices to report to their depots on stated dates, and, in consequence, arrange to vacate their houses and make alternative arrangements for their families, and then receive a further notice postponing their service for a month; and will he take steps to remedy this grievance?

Under arrangements made before the war, a number of Army reservists who were doing important work in civil life had their recall to the Colours deferred for a period in order to give time for substitutes to be trained to replace them. It has happened in some cases that employers, after the reservist has been summoned to report, have pressed, through the appropriate Government Department, for a further extension, and, where the War Office has met this request, the circumstances described in the question may have arisen.

Can my right hon. Friend assure the House that it is only in the circumstances he has described that the War Office is in any way responsible?

Certainly. That is the intention of my answer.