§ 33. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has yet had a report regarding Private W. Garton, No. 4335983, of the 1st East Yorkshire Regiment, at present stationed at Mullingar, who has been refused discharge by purchase; and whether he is aware that Private Garton is the only son and principal support of a widowed mother who lost her husband in the War, and that his mother raised the purchase money for his discharge with great difficulty and sacrifice?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI have now received a report from the military authorities in Ireland, who state that they have investigated the case, and do not consider the circumstances are such as to warrant the discharge of Private Garton by purchase.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWho in a case like this decides whether compassionate grounds are sufficient to release a man; and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is a case where there is a widowed mother and two invalid sisters, and this youth is the main support, and is it possible to have this case considered?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONThe decision rests with the commanding officer of the district in Ireland. The case has been considered very fully first of all on compassionate grounds which were found to be insufficient; and secondly, on the ground of discharge by purchase, and again the grounds were considered insufficient.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs this matter left to the discretion or the whim of the commanding officer?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONThese various grounds are fully considered by the officer.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYI beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the motion for Adjournment to-night.