HC Deb 23 February 1916 vol 80 cc674-5
22. Mr. WATT

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that at several recruiting offices in Glasgow and the West of Scotland men who had already offered themselves for enlistment since 14th August, 1915, and been rejected, and who were in possession of documentary evidence to that effect, were on their again entering these recruiting offices, either to procure their khaki armlets or in response to a summons to again appear, forcibly deprived of their signed forms, which were in some instances destroyed in their presence; and, if so, will he say whether he proposes to take any measures to find out the names of the medical men and recruiting sergeants who thus acted while serving as agents for his Department and to punish them by depriving them of their military rank?

Mr. TENNANT

The circumstances of the particular case stated by my hon. Friend have not been brought to my notice, but I am having inquiries made into the statements made in the question.

Mr. WATT

If it is found that these officers were guilty of the alleged charge, will the right hon. Gentleman administer his severest rebuke?

Mr. TENNANT

Well, Sir, I must really wait and see what the report is on the subject.