§ 27. Mr. P. A. HARRISasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has any statement to make as to why a draft of lads under nineteen years of age was sent overseas from the Gordon Highlanders early in September; and how they came to be sent into the firing line?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThe draft in question was due to leave this country on the 30th August, but, owing to a delay, did not cross to France until the 4th September. The men have already been withdrawn from the firing line, and those under nineteen years of age are being returned to England.
§ Mr. HARRISIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that owing to this gross blunder a certain number lost their lives, and there is a very strong feeling amongst parents at this serious breach of faith in sending these lads into the firing line?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI am not aware of any such thing. I do not regard it as a gross blunder. There were military considerations.
§ Mr. BYRNEWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether that Order applied to recruits in the Royal Air Force? [An HON. MEMBER: "Ireland!"]
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI have nothing to do with the Royal Air Force.
§ 40. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Gunner J. F. Newman, No. 174783, aged 19, Penlee battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, No. 2 Fire Command (D. and C.), Cawsand, near Plymouth, has, since 21st May, 1918, been in Rouen, Trouville, Torquay, Derriford, Newhaven, and Cawsand military hospitals, respectively, and that his illness, valvular disease of the heart (mitral), has been confirmed at each hospital; can he state why this young soldier has been moved from place to place instead of being discharged; whether his former employers have made representations that this soldier should be allowed to resume light clerical work; and whether he will give consideration to this case with a view to the boy's discharge?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThis case is being inquired into and I will acquaint my hon. Friend of the result as soon as possible.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEThank you.
§ 60. Mr. JOWETTasked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that notwithstanding the decision of the Army Council at the end of August last not to send soldiers under nineteen years of age overseas, airmen who are under nineteen years of age, and in some cases under eighteen and a half years of age, have been sent overseas so recently as October last; and whether this is in accordance with the intention of the Army Council?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE to the AIR MINISTRY (Major Baird)The decision to which my hon. Friend refers applied to the Army only. Having regard to the conditions of overseas service with the Air Force, the Air Council do not consider that it is necessary to make a similar rule.