24. Mr. GOODMAN ROBERTSasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that Edward Hughes, late able seaman, official number J. 14,466, who purchased his discharge from the Royal Navy on the 9th February last for pressing domestic reasons, was only 10 weeks short of completing 12 years' service, at the expiration of which he would have been entitled to a free discharge; and whether, in view of the fact that ho was compelled to pay the sum of £24, a sum which he could ill afford, in lieu of 10 weeks' service, some refund can be made to him?
Mr. DAVIDSONThis man would have completed his engagement on the 10th April, but, as stated, preferred for private reasons to purchase his immediate discharge on the terms laid down for a rating with his length of service. The Regulations do not admit of the refund of any portion of the purchase money, though free discharge is granted in exceptional circumstances, which, however, did not exist in this case.