§ 26. Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLEasked the Secretary of State for War the number of recruits who have been liberated from the colours within the last year, either through purchase or on compassionate grounds, to enable them to take employment offered them?
§ Major ATTLEEDuring the year ending 31st May last, the number of soldiers who purchased their discharge was 1,097, and the number who were discharged on compassionate grounds was 755; making a total of 1,852. Out of the 1,097 men discharged by purchase, 341 were recruits who exercised their statutory right under Section 81 of the Army Act, but I am not able to say how many of the men discharged on compassionate grounds were recruits. A condition of discharge on compassionate grounds is that employment is available for the man.