§ 35. Dr. Stephen Taylorasked the Secretary of State for War under what conditions a boy of 14 years of age can voluntarily enlist in the Army for 16 years' service; and whether such conditions permit of any break in that service.
§ Mr. BellengerWith regard to the first part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave on 9th July, 1946, to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Dudley (Colonel Wigg), of which I am sending him a copy. Premature discharge from a voluntary engagement in the Regular Army is not at present permitted, except that enlisted boys may claim discharge by purchase within three months of enlistment.
§ Dr. TaylorDoes that answer mean that it is possible for a boy of 14 years of age to enlist voluntarily for 16 years?
§ Mr. BellengerSpeaking from memory, I know that he can enlist for a certain period, which I think can be up to 12 years, but I think my hon. Friend is referring to boys' service, which is not counted in the Regular engagement.
§ Mr. Rhys DaviesDo I understand that it is possible for a boy of 14 years of age to be enlisted in the British Army?
§ Mr. BellengerOnly with the permission of his parent or guardian.
§ Mr. Michael AstorDoes the right hon. Gentleman think some legislation might 173 be introduced to safeguard a child aged 14—an irresponsible age—from the decisions which he might take?
§ Mr. BellengerSpeaking as a parent, I think that the biggest safeguard is the fact that the parent has to agree.
§ Mr. RankinWill my right hon. Friend bring the age in this case into line with the new school leaving age which takes effect on 1st April?
§ Dr. TaylorOwing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Motion for the Adjournment.