§ 3. Sir Ronald Rossasked the Secretary of State for War how long it is proposed to continue the ban on the purchase of discharge by soldiers employed as clerks.
§ Mr. M. StewartI regret that, in view of the present requirements of the Army, it will be necessary for some time to continue the ban on the purchase of discharge by soldiers employed as clerks. The matter is, however, kept constantly under review, and the ban will be lifted as soon as the situation permits.
§ Sir R. RossDoes not the hon. Gentleman appreciate that, by denying this particular class of soldiers the normal right of every soldier in peacetime, the War Department is creating a great deterrent against anyone volunteering for this class of work?
§ Mr. StewartThe hon. Gentleman is mistaken in talking about this as a "normal right." It has always been a privilege. It can never be claimed as a right.