§ 4. Mr. Thurtleasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there are men over 60 years of age serving in the Army who enlisted originally in the National Defence Companies; that some of these elderly men are finding their duties and conditions of life too exacting for them; and whether he will authorise the discharge of all such men who can prove that they are over 60 years of age and who indicate their wish to be discharged?
§ The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Oliver Stanley)Instructions will be issued that men who are over 60 years of age, and who so desire, shall be given their discharge.
Mr. J. J. DavidsonWill that instruction apply only to men over 60 who are serving overseas, or to men over military age who desire their discharge, or at any rate who want to go on to home defence?
§ Mr. StanleyThe answer referred to men over 60.
§ Mr. ThurtleI gather that the right hon. Gentleman did not confine his answer to men serving overseas, but to all soldiers?
§ Mr. Stanley indicated assent.