25. Mr. Bellenģerasked the Secretary of State for War whether any system is in operation to ascertain how many men are passed into the Army At and subsequently discharged after a brief period of service; and, if so, whether he can state how many such cases have occurred during the last 12 months.
Sir J. GriģģThe answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir." 2443 other ranks who were in category A1 on enlistment were subsequently boarded out of the Army in the course of 1943 after serving in the Army for less than six months.
Mr. BellenģerAs that answer discloses a very unsatisfactory state of affairs has the Minister taken steps to discuss this matter with the Ministry of Labour, who are responsible for calling these men into the Army only for them to be discharged very quickly?
Sir J. GriģģI have not discussed it personally but the two Departments have discussed it. I will, however, certainly see whether there is room for any further representation.
§ Mr. McGovernIs the Minister aware that when a man is passed Grade 1 and protests against that grading the same medical evidence goes before the board when he appeals against the decision? Should not that disgraceful state of affairs be eliminated?
Sir J. GriģģI do not think the hon. Member is talking about the same kind of circumstances as the hon. Member opposite.