HC Deb 18 November 1919 vol 121 cc783-4
20. Mr. SITCH

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Private W. Parfitt, No. 73326, 2nd Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment, Portobello Barracks, Dublin, joined the Army some months ago, and that an application for his release was made by his father on the 26th July, 1919, on the grounds that his son would not reach the age of eighteen years until the 25th November, 1919; whether ho is aware that at the request of the adjutant of the regiment a birth certificate was furnished proving Private Parfitt's age; and will he state the reason why Private Parfitt is still retained?

Mr. CHURCHILL

This application has been carefully considered, but the circumstances of the case do not justify the discharge of this soldier being authorised. I would explain that the discharge of a soldier over seventeen years of age who mis-states his age on enlistment is granted as a concession only, under certain conditions which do not appertain in this case.

21. Mr. RENDALL

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private H. W. Davis, No. 56028, 52nd Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, British Army of the Rhine, who is only just nineteen years of age, Grade 2, is being sent with his battalion to South Russia; whether this is contrary to the Government's promise that no men under twenty years of age should be sent further than the Rhine; and will he at once take steps to prevent Private Davis being sent to South Russia?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The battalion in which this soldier is serving forms part of the Independent Division of the Army of the Rhine, which is to be used in connection with plebiscite duty in Germany. It is not going to South Russia. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer my bon. Friend to the answer on Tuesday last to a similar question asked by the hon. Member for Bolton to the effect that no such promise was made.

Mr. RENDALL

Can the right hon. Gentleman say where this boy is if he has not been sent to South Russia?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I believe he is in Northern Germany, but I will find out for the hon. Member. The question on the Paper only asks as to South Russia.