§ 33. Sir J. Mellorasked the Secretary of State for War why soldiers, who would normally be released in Class A before the end of 1948, but who now wish to commence their studies at universities or technical colleges, have been deprived of their right to apply for immediate release through the usual military channel.
§ Mr. ShinwellUnder the arrangements described in my reply to the hon. Member's Question on this subject on 9th March, the initiative in applying for the out-of-turn release of intending students due for release under the age and service scheme this year must come from the university or technical college which has reserved a place for the man concerned. No soldier has been deprived of the right of making application for early release through military channels, but the hon. Member will appreciate that release could be granted in a case of this type only if it could be brought within the arrangements which I have described.