HC Deb 21 October 1975 vol 898 cc225-7
10. Mr. Gould

asked the Secretary of State for Defence in what circumstances a minor may be released from the Army service earlier than the date laid down in the regulations.

Mr. Robert C. Brown

I apologise, Mr. Speaker, for the length of this reply, but it is necessary if I am to reply properly to my hon. Friend's question.

Regulations provide for a number of circumstances in which a minor can be released earlier than the date shown in his enlistment papers. A minor who enlists under the age of 17½ years has the right to discharge at any time during the first six months of service by giving 14 days' notice. A minor who enlists between 17½ and 18 years of age has the right to discharge at any time during his first six months, or before he reaches the age of 18 years and three months, whichever is the earlier. He may also be discharged for compassionate reasons, on the emigration of his next of kin, or if his commanding officer considers that he is not reaching the standard normally expected.

Mr. Gould

What course of action would my hon. Friend recommend to a 17-year old soldier from my constituency who has been trying for months to obtain his release from the Army, who has made repeated representations to that effect through me and others, who has even gone to the length of running away from the Army, only to be forcibly returned, but who is still told that he cannot be released? Is it not insupportable in a supposedly civilised country that a 17-year old boy should be kept in the Army against his will as a virtual prisoner?

Mr. Brown

I think that my hon. Friend knows well enough that I have given a great deal of consideration to the case to which he refers and that the youngster concerned has had a number of interviews with his commanding officer. It seems that the boy himself tends to wish to continue his service. Nevertheless, many youngsters come under pressure from parents and others. This is a case that I have constantly under review. I assure my hon. Friend that if the circumstances arise where a discharge becomes obviously necessary I will see to it.

Rear-Admiral Morgan-Giles

Is the Ministry taking special steps in present circumstances to draw the attention of school leavers, many of whom are experiencing difficulty in obtaining employment, to the advantages of a Service life?

Mr. Brown

I should have thought that if the hon. and gallant Gentleman had been watching the Service advertisements he would have realised that the Ministry was taking steps. We are not taking any particular steps, but we have appealed to youngsters for many years.