§ Mr. McGovernasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Andrew Buchanan, 76, Altyre Street, Tollcross, Glasgow, who was a member of the Glasgow Highlanders, 9th 1075W Battalion, and stationed at Kinross Camp, was discharged during July on examination by two doctors as suffering from a skin disease; that two days after his return two police constables called at his home and collected his kit and on Sunday morning, 1oth September, at 4.30 a.m., he was taken from his home and placed in a cell at Tobago Street police station until 12.30 p.m. of the same day when he was transferred as a prisoner to Johnstone guard room and kept there until 11 a.m. on Monday, nth September, when he was again examined by a doctor and again discharged as unfit; that this young man lost two days wages and suffered humiliation both to himself and family; and whether he is prepared to compensate him for his loss and suffering?
§ Sir V. WarrenderPrivate Buchanan was not, in fact, discharged in July, but was recommended for discharge on medical grounds. As the discharge had not been effected when mobilization was ordered, a calling-up notice was sent to him in accordance with the usual practice for men still effective, and, as he did not report for embodiment within seven days, the normal procedure was adopted and the local police informed of his absence. When he was again found unfit for service, he was returned to his home, and he will be discharged on medical grounds.
It appears that Private Buchanan was under a misapprehension as to his position, and I regret very much that it should have resulted in such inconvenience and distress; but, as he had not actually been discharged from his engagement, he should have obeyed the instructions that were sent to him.