§ 12. Mr. GINNELLasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the methods by which youths under age continue to be taken away from the work of food production in which they are efficient, enticed into the Army where they cannot legally be efficient, and kept there by the military authorities against the complaints of parents and the evidence of birth certificates; and whether John Foley, so induced last month to join the 26th Reserve Battery, Royal Field Artillery, at Athlone, when only sixteen and a half years of age, and since transferred to the 65th Division in Kildare, will be sent home to his parents to assist in the work of food production?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI have no information as to the suggestions in the question. Under-age soldiers are not now discharged.
§ Mr. GINNELLHas the hon. Gentleman inquired into this case at all?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONNo, I have not, so far. I only received the question this morning.