§ 11. Mr. Gallacherasked the Secretary of State for War the reason for the discharge from the Army of Corporal Mick Bennett?
§ The Secretary of State for War (Captain Margesson)I have had some correspondence with my hon. Friend on this subject, and there is nothing that I can usefully add to what I have already told him.
§ Mr. GallacherIs it not the case that on his discharge paper this corporal is given the highest possible character as a soldier and a corporal, and that the discharge paper says that his services are no longer required? Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman tell us under what paragraph in King's Regulations this discharge was made?
§ Captain MargessonIt is always open to the Army to dispense with a soldier's services because they are no longer required, and it was under that paragraph that action was taken.
§ Mr. BellengerMay we have the information as to the paragraph in King's Regulations under which this man was discharged? Am I not right in assuming that there is an appropriate paragraph, and that it would probably give an indication of the reasons for the action taken in this case?
§ Captain MargessonThere is an appropriate paragraph, but I am afraid I have not got particulars of it now.
§ Mr. GallacherIs it not the case that this man was an exemplary soldier and corporal, and that he was discharged, not for anything that he had said or done and not for neglecting his duty, but simply because somebody did not like the politics he had before he joined up?
§ Captain MargessonIt had nothing to do with politics.
§ Mr. GallacherWell, give us the reason. It is a scandal. In view of the totally unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I give notice that I shall raise this matter later.