HC Deb 22 February 1938 vol 332 cc174-5
32. Mr. Day

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of persons who enlisted in the Army for the 12 months ended at the last convenient date who were released either on compassionate grounds or for any other reason?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

The records are not maintained in such a way as to show how many of the 27,306 recruits enlisted during the year ended 31st January, 1938, were discharged during this period. The statistics compiled relate to recruit wastage, that is, men with under six months' service. The number of discharges under this head was 2,882.

Mr. Day

How many of the recruits exercise their statutory privilege of purchasing their discharge?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I have got figures only for that six months period, but the number is something very small.