HC Deb 07 June 1917 vol 94 c350W
Major H. TERRELL

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether he is aware that Rifleman G. Tooth, C Company, working battalion, 33rd Division, British Expeditionary Force, was when he attested under the Derby scheme and when called up promised that he would be allowed to serve with his elder brother, Staff-Sergeant A. Tooth, No. 29 Supply Column, British Expeditionary Force, and that, prior to the enlistment of G. Tooth, Sergeant A. Tooth was told by the recruiting officer at Gloucester that if his brother enlisted he would be entitled to claim his transfer to the Army Service Corps for service with him: whether he is aware that on the faith of these promises and statements G. Tooth enlisted in the Gloucestershire Regiment; that he has repeatedly applied to be transferred to the Army Service Corps for service with his brother; and, seeing that Sergeant Tooth has repeatedly applied for the transfer of his brother, and instead of so transferring him A. Tooth has been transferred to a rifle regiment and refused transfer to the Army Service Corps, whether he will consider the desirability of the War Office making good the promises and representation on the faith of which Rifleman Tooth enlisted?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I am inquiring whether any promise was made to Rifleman Tooth on attesting; but as I have informed my hon. and gallant Friend the transfer cannot be granted in ordinary circumstances.