HC Deb 21 November 1919 vol 121 cc1287-8W
MR. J. A. PARKINSON

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will have inquiries made into the case of Private Samuel Rowe, No. 15977, 2nd Com., King's Own, Bowerham Barracks, Lancaster, who joined the Army on the 16th September, 1919, when only seventeen years of age, and in consideration of the circumstances at his home, his father being sixty-one years of age, blind in one eye, and generally in a weak state of health which prevents him following his employment regularly, with a wife and another son, aged sixteen years, who is unable to work to support; and will he consider the advisability of granting his discharge from the Army at an early date?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Inquiries are being made, and I will inform the hon. Member of the result as soon as I am in a position to do so.

Mr. PARKINSON

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will grant the discharge from the Army of Driver Peter Unsworth, No. 299292, 13th Battery, 17th Brigade, A Subsection, Royal Field Artillery, Waterloo Barracks, Aldershot, who joined the Army and will not be eighteen years of age until 19th April, 1920; is he aware that his father was killed in the War, he is the only son, and the main support of his widowed mother and five sisters; that two sisters are working, one only part time owing to sickness; and will he consider this case on compassionate grounds as well as the extreme youth of Driver Unsworth, and grant his discharge at an early date?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The inquiries in this case are not yet complete, but steps have been taken to expedite the matter. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Major W. MURRAY

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Gunner J. G. Harkness, No. 227541, Royal Field Artillery, British Army on the Rhine, can now be released, seeing that he volunteered under the Derby scheme on or about 25th August, 1915, joined the Colours on 13th April, 1916, and has a father in very delicate health carrying on a one-man business, who has repeatedly applied for him?

Mr. CHURCHILL

This man's case has been reconsidered, but it is regretted that, under current instructions, he is not eligible for priority of release on compassionate grounds. He will, however, be dispatched for dispersal from his present I station not later than 1st February, 1920, I subject to the necessary transport being available.

Brigadier-General WIGAN

asked the Secretary of State for War why Private H. A. Plowman, No. 26447, 2/7th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, whose demobilisation was ordered by the War Office on 21st September, 1919, and subsequently on 30th September cabled instructions were sent for his immediate release, is still in Russia; and when is he likely to be demobilised?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Inquiries are already being made in this case, and my hon. and gallant Friend will be informed of the result as soon as possible.