§ MR. BELL (Derby)To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that a boy named Frank Glover, fifteen years of age, who was sent to the Industrial (Boys') School, Bristol, four years ago, has been compelled to join the Army, 383 and is now in the Royal Artillery Band, Woolwich, against ins own and his; father's wishes; and whether, seeing; that his father has applied for his discharge and been refused, he will take steps to get the boy returned to his father as early as possible.
§ *THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. AKERS DOUGLAS,St. Augustine's) Kent,As I informed the hon. Member by letter last October, when he brought the case to my notice, it is not the fact that this boy was enlisted against his own wish. Glover joined an Army Band by his own desire, and I have no doubt that the managers of the school, in exercising their powers under the Reformatory and Industrial Schools Act of 1891, acted in the best interests of the boy. The father's request for Glover's release on licence was refused chiefly on the ground that another son had recently returned home from an industrial school, and was wandering about Derby apparently beyond his father's control. I cannot interfere in the matter.
§ MR. BELLI think the facts as stated by the right hon. Gentleman are not quite correct, and will the right hon. Gentleman receive a statement from me?
§ *MR. AKERS DOUGLASYes, I shall be glad to consider any representations made to me.