asked the Secretary of State for War what is the policy of the War Office regarding the compassionate posting of other ranks, in view of the fact that it has been stated in writing from the War Office that no compassionate postings have been granted since the beginning of 1947.

Since the beginning of this year men have been called up to the Army for a fixed period of comparatively short duration. To be of real value their service must not be restricted as to availability for posting. Consequently compassionate postings for men have been abolished.