HC Deb 25 June 1900 vol 84 c903
MR. WILLIAM REDMOND (Clare, E.)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War if he can state the circumstances attending the enlistment of Daniel Dundass in the Royal Irish Fusiliers in May of last year, who at the time of enlistment was but seventeen years of age, and the reason why when his father applied for his discharge it was not granted.

*MR. WYNDHAM

Under the regulations a recruit if under seventeen years of age and claimed by his parents is at once discharged. If over seventeen his retention in the service rests entirely with the General Officer commanding the district, with whose discretion the Secretary of State does not interfere.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

Then why was not this boy discharged when his father claimed him?

*MR. WYNDHAM

He had already reached the age of seventeen years, and the discretion rested, therefore, with the General Officer commanding the district.