§ 40. Major ENTWISTLEasked the Home Secretary whether Donald Hill, son of Gunner S. Hill, No. 39434, Royal Field Artillery, who was committed to the industrial school at Stockport in 1917 for playing truant from school during his father's absence on active service, can now be restored to his home, in view of the fact that his father was demobilised in March last and now desires his boy's return, and is capable and willing to look 162 after the boy in the future; and whether he will give general instructions in similar cases for the return of boys to their fathers when the latter are demobilised?
§ Mr. SHORTTI have caused inquiry to be made into this case and am communicating the facts to the hon. and gallant Member. I should not feel justified in giving general instructions such as are suggested in the latter part of the question, but all such cases will be considered sympathetically with reference to the history and character of the child and the character and circumstances of the parents.