§ Colonel ASHLEYasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private Trevor Ford, No. M/399458, of the Army Service Corps, Mechanical Transport, 18th Company, was discharged medically unfit on the 25th September, 1915, after having served at Mons; that he was called up again on the 1st May, 1916, and was again discharged on account of medical unfitness on the 26th June, 1916; that he has once more been called up and placed in the Army, in spite of the fact that he is clearly entitled to a statutory exception under paragraph 4a of the First Schedule to the Military Service Act (No. 2) of 1918; and whether he will take steps to have him released forthwith from the Army?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONMy information does not altogether agree with the statements contained in my hon. and gallant Friend's question. Private Ford enlisted in 1913 and was discharged in December, 1914, his services being no longer required, after having served in France for about six weeks immediately prior to his discharge. On the 1st May, 1916, he voluntarily re-enlisted and served for about six weeks, when he was again discharged as not likely to become an efficient soldier (medically unfit). He again voluntarily enlisted on the 16th April last and was rejected for the Army Service Corps Mechanical Transport Section, but was transferred to the Supply Section as a packer and loader, where he is still serving. In these circumstances he is not entitled to be released.