HC Deb 04 February 1948 vol 446 cc1803-4
49. Mr. Wingfield Digby

asked the Minister of Defence if any decision has yet been reached regarding the re-introduction of the system of discharge by purchase from the Services.

Mr. Alexander

Yes, Sir. The re-introduction of the system of discharge by purchase has been agreed in principle. Detailed arrangements are being worked out, and a further announcement will be made in due course. I should however, make it clear that the Service Departments will retain a discretion, as before the war, to refuse an application by any individual whose discharge would be against the interests of his Service, and that the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force may find it necessary to exercise this discretion extensively.

Mr. Digby

Can the Minister give an assurance that due weight will be paid to compassionate reasons in the widest sense, and, with regard to the rates of purchase, can he also given an assurance that they will not be much higher than they were before the war?

Mr. Alexander

I could not prejudge what the position will be in regard to the last part of the supplementary question. After all, we have to tax the taxpayers very much higher for the cost of the maintenance and training of the troops. With regard to the first part of the supplementary question, we are continuously exercising great sympathy in compassionate cases, and a good number have been able to get out in that way already. We shall not lose sight of that.

Mr. H. D. Hughes

In view of the fact that this has been under constant discussion for the last two years, can my right hon. Friend say how soon an announcement will be made, and will he, in considering the details, bear in mind the considerable number of people who joined the Forces at a very early age and are now anxious to take advantage of this scheme?

Mr. Alexander

We will get the decision expedited as much as possible, but there are a great many details to go into.

Mr. Medland

Will my right hon. Friend say whether previous applications which have been received within the last three months will be considered, or whether the applicants must now make another application?

Mr. Alexander

I should think that, in such a case, it would be advisable for the men to repeat their applications.

Mr. Harrison

Would the Minister say what is the particular merit of purchase of discharge, as distinct from compassionate release from the Services?

Mr. Alexander

In some cases, a man wishes to come out for purely trade reasons and other reasons of that kind, and, even in compassionate cases, there are mixed reasons which are partly compassionate and partly gain.

Mr. Scollan

May I take it from the Minister's reply that we have now descended to the level of conscription for the poor and purchase of freedom by the rich?

Mr. Alexander

No, Sir. I must point out that this relates to the Regular Forces, and that it does not depart in any way from the general principles which we have always observed in regard to compulsory national service.

Mr. Eden

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if, in order to disabuse some people's minds, as soon as a figure is fixed, he will inform the House what that figure is?

Mr. Alexander

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Rankin

Would my right hon. Friend say whether, where discharge by purchase is allowed, it would have any effect on any gratuity or bounty accruing to the individual?

Mr. Alexander

I would like to look at that in detail. Perhaps my hon. Friend will put a Question down?