Discharge by Purchase

HC Deb 09 November 1948 vol 457 c1362

20. Mr. John Morrison

asked the Secretary of State for War how many cadets at Sandhurst have bought themselves out of the Army in recent months.

Mr. Shinwell

Nine cadets at the Royal Military Academy have purchased their discharge since the concession was reintroduced in March, 1948.

21. Mr. J. Morrison

asked the Secretary of State for War how many men have bought themselves out of the Army since this right was reinstated after the war.

Mr. Shinwell

Up to the end of September, 1,911 men had been discharged under the scheme for discharge by purchase, since this privilege was reintroduced. This includes a number of free discharges after completion of 16 years' service, or on extreme compassionate grounds. Of the total of 1,911, 1,567 actually purchased their discharge; the remaining 344 were granted a free discharge.