§ 23. Mr. HOGGEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the number of complaints on behalf of the eighteen-year-old Reservists in training camps; whether their training is as severe as ordinarily; whether the granting of leave is as strict; and whether, in view of the fact that such lads cannot be placed in the firing line until they are nineteen, special consideration can be shown to them?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI would refer my hon. Friend to the answers given on 11th June to my right hon. Friend the Member for Woolwich, and on the 13th to my hon. Friend the Member for Newington West, in which I explained the special consideration shown to these recruits as regards their training and general comfort. As regards leave, they are entitled to four days on free warrant on completion of three months' training, and other leave at reduced fares subject to the usual restrictions; but I regret it is not possible to allow them special week-end or other facilities beyond this.
§ Sir TUDOR WALTERSWill the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the desirability of making some relaxation in the severe military discipline to enable them to visit their friends? Will not some relaxation of their arduous duties be made in the interests of humanity?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThe Army Council have taken all these matters into consideration. These lads have got special exemption from very arduous training, and they are given such leave as is considered possible.
§ Mr. HOGGEDoes not my hon. Friend admit that there are thirty-four deaths in one camp already, and will he make representations to the War Office?