§ 3. Sir B. Jannerasked the Minister of Defence whether, in view of the success of the recruiting drive for the Armed Forces, he will now arrange for more applications by National Service men for release on compassionate grounds to be granted.
§ Mr. ThorneycroftApplications for compassionate release will continue to be considered on their merits.
§ Sir B. JannerIs the Minister aware that a large number of people, including some of my constituents, feel that there is very great hardship because their cases are not being considered on their merits? Surely, as recruiting is going better than the right hon. Gentleman anticipated, he can now ask those who are examining the cases to relax some of their difficult opposition to any application on compassionate grounds?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftI cannot deal with individual cases without understanding the particular aspects of each one, and that, I think, would be more appropriate to the Service Ministers, but the cases will continue to be considered on their merits.