6. Major DAVIESasked the Under secretary of State for War whether he is aware that William Cawsey, late S.E., No. 28654, Army Veterinary Corps, of 4, Silver Street, Brecon, enlisted in the Army Verterinary Corps at Brecon on 22nd May, 1917, and that he was discharged under paragraph 392 (21), King's Regulations; and whether, in view of the fact that whilst in the Army he was continually under medical treatment, he will state why this man was not discharged under paragraph 392 (16), King's Regulations?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONCawsey was discharged under paragraph 392 (XXV.), King's Regulations, and not under sub-paragraph (XXI.), as stated in my hon. and gallant Friend's question. Before being discharged he was examined by a medical board, who found that his health had not been impaired since he joined the Army. Being surplus to requirements he was correctly discharged under the sub-paragraph which I have mentioned.
§ Mr. HOGGEIs my hon. Friend aware that a great many men are being discharged under this paragraph 392 (XXV.) which disenables them from any right to apply for a pension?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI am not aware of that.
§ Colonel ASHLEYWill the hon. Gentleman look into it?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONIf I can get any specific case, I will make it my duty to do so.
§ 10. Mr. HOGGEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he can give the names of such discharge certificates as are absolutely final?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONArmy Form B2079 is the only discharge certificate issued to soldiers. If my hon. Friend's question is asked with a view to ascertaining what discharged soldiers are liable to be called up for further service, I would refer him to my right hon. Friend the Minister of National Service.
§ Mr. HOGGEIs Army Form B2079, which is a final discharge from the War Office, a final discharge without the endorsement of a medical board of the National Service Department?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThat is not the question asked on the Paper. I have answered the question asked, and I think my hon. Friend had better put down any other question he wishes to ask.
§ Mr. HOGGEIs my hon. Friend aware that even when a man is in possession of Army Form B 2079, which my hon. Friend says is the final discharge, he is being recalled until this endorsement by a medical board of the National Service Department?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONIf my hon. Friend will put that on the paper I will have the matter carefully investigated and will give him a reply.