HC Deb 13 December 1967 vol 756 c425
46. Mr. Dempsey

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration he has given towards terminating the practice of purchasing release from the Army introduced in 1810; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Boyden

The arrangements for discharge by purchase are part of the system of manning the Services under which recruits undertake to serve for fixed periods and receive a higher rate of pay in return for a commitment to serve for a longer period. These arrangements are working satisfactorily.

Mr. Dempsey

Does my hon. Friend not agree that to perpetuate the buying and selling of human beings for 157 years to maintain defence forces is very unsound? Why not allow these men to clearly opt out, or to clearly continue after the period of service, as is done in other contracts of service?

Mr. Boyden

My hon. Friend puts it rather colourfully. In fact, in nearly all cases the soldier concerned has contracted to receive a higher rate of pay for serving a longer time, and when he buys himself out he does not normally repay as much as he has received by that contract, voluntarily entered into.