§ 19. Mr. MURRAYasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that boys of 17 years of age are being retained in 1112 the Army against their parents' wishes, and in defiance of the Regulation which states that a youth on enlistment must be 18 years of age, and that one boy of 17 years and six months, whose parents made unavailing efforts to have him released from the Army, has now been in prison for desertion; and if he will give instructions that no boy under 18 is to be retained without the consent of his parents or guardians?
§ Major ATTLEEI have no information as to the particular case mentioned, but I am aware that recruits who have enlisted as men, and who are subsequently found to be between 17 and 18 years of age, are normally, and in accordance with the Reguations, held to serve. The point has been frequently raised in the House, and I can hold out no prospect that the present rule will be varied.