§ 14. Mr. GRIFFITHSasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that W. Gould, of 26, Alexander Road, Sebastopol, near Newport, was enlisted into the Army at the age of 16 years, without the knowledge or consent of his father; and whether he will take steps to have this boy released on account of his youth and the desire of his parents to carry out their parental responsibility?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON - EVANS:Under the Regulations, a soldier who misstates his age on enlistment is held to serve unless either he is under 17 when the application for his discharge is made or a case is made out for his discharge on compassionate grounds. In the particular -case referred to in the question the soldier was over 17 when application for his discharge was made, and, on inquiry, no 12 grounds for a compassionate discharge were found to exist. I regret, therefore, I cannot do what the hon. Member asks.
§ Mr. GRIFFITHS:Would the right hon. Gentleman take steps to prevent these boys, who are quite irresponsible, from running away from home in order to join the Army, by punishing them for giving their wrong age?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a matter for another question.