§ 23. Mr. R. YOUNGasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Drummer J. H. Judge, 1st battalion Yorkshire Regiment, was only 15 when he enlisted; that he is now 17 years of age, his birthday being 8th October, 1903; whether, under such circumstances, the boy can be released from the Army without having to purchase his freedom; whether he is aware that the allowance to his mother, who is in needy circumstances, has been reduced from 7s. 2d. to 3s. 6d. per week; and if he will explain why this has been done without any explanation to the mother?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI am not aware of the present age of this soldier, but presumably he enlisted as a boy. At that time, boys of 14 years of age were accepted for the Army, and I regret that the fact that Drummer Judge was only 15 years of age on enlistment cannot be accepted as a reason for his free discharge. Inquiries are, however, being made into the case, including the amount 980 of the allowance paid to his mother, and I will let the hon. Member know the result as soon as possible.