§ Lieut.-Colonel POWNALLasked the Secretary of State for War what are now the Regulations with regard to soldiers 1837W under the age of eighteen who have enlisted without the consent of their parents; whether such soldiers can be reclaimed by their parents on production of birth certificates; and, if not, whether they can be bought out?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIf an application, accompanied by a birth certificate, is made by the parents or guardians of a soldier, and the soldier is under seventeen years of age, he will be discharged forthwith. If, however, the soldier is under eighteen but over seventeen years of age, the case will be considered on its merits. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.