HC Deb 28 June 1916 vol 83 cc823-4
21. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he can state the new regulations dealing with the cases of soldiers whose discharge or transfer to a Home-service unit is applied for by their parents on the ground that the lad is too young to serve under his present circumstances and conditions?

Mr. TENNANT

I would ask my hon. Friend to refer to the very full answer which I gave on this matter on Monday last. In order to correct misapprehensions, I would add to what I then stated that applications should not be sent to the War Office, but to the Officer-in-Charge of Records concerned. Sending applications to the War Office only leads to delay. Underage soldiers serving with the Expeditionary Force will, if under eighteen years of age, be sent home if willing and posted to a Reserve unit. They will not be passed to the Reserve, as has been erroneously stated.

Mr. HOGGE

Would it not be quite as well for parents to write direct to commanding officers?

Mr. TENNANT

Yes, I think it would be quicker.

Mr. WATT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that commanding officers are refusing to send boys back, notwithstanding his statement?

Mr. TENNANT

I think if my hon. Friend would have full inquiry made, he would ascertain that, where a refusal has been made, it has been prior to the issue of the Order I have quoted.