HC Deb 22 December 1965 vol 722 cc2097-8
51. Sir A. Spearman

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will release those who wish to leave the Royal Navy in those cases where they were under 16 years of age at the time of joining.

The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Royal Navy (Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu)

No, Sir. However, the hon. Member will recall the statement by my hon. Friend the Minister of Defence for the Royal Navy, in the debate on the Second Reading of the Armed Forces Bill last week, that the Navy is considering coming into line with the Army and Royal Air Force with regard to giving a right to a recruit to discharge himself very early in his period of recruitment.

Sir A. Spearman

Does not the Minister think that the examination could be speeded up, and does he not agree that it is hard on a boy joining under the age of 15 if he has to be kept against his will for many years? Is he much good to himself or to the Navy in those circumstances?

Mr. Mallalieu

I think that the hon. Member for Scarborough and Whitby (Sir A. Spearman) has a point, and I will look at it speedily.

Mr. Rose

Has my hon. Friend given consideration to the suggestion that I made some time ago that an option to leave the Service should be permitted at the end of three years of a long engagement?

Mr. Mallalieu

We have, in fact, considered that solution. I do not think that it is the best way of going about it.