§ 26. Mr. Wiggasked the Secretary of State for War the number of soldiers of the Regular Army who have applied to purchase their discharge, other than those exercising their rights under Section 14 of the Army Act, from 1st January, 1962, up to the latest convenient date; what is the number of applications which have been approved: and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ProfumoUp to 30th September, 1962, 714 soldiers had been permitted to purchase their discharge. Discharges by purchase, where severe hardship to dependants is not involved, are at present being deferred for six months, and some 270 soldiers are in this category. This deferment will come to an end in May next year.
§ Mr. WiggWill the Minister be good enough to say whether the undertaking or the statement he made in the House on Second Reading still stands until that date? Can the House take it that each one of the men who have applied to purchase their discharge to fight elections have previously applied to purchase their discharge and been refused?
§ Mr. ProfumoThere is a later Question on the Order Paper about the discharge of soldiers for election purposes and perhaps the hon. Member will be good enough to leave his question until then. My undertaking to the House that, except in the most exceptional cases. 964 Regular soldiers who applied for discharge by purchase would have to wait six months still stands, and will stand until the end of the time when the last National Service man is allowed out of the Army.