HC Deb 25 January 1955 vol 536 c1W
3 and 4. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Labour (1) what consultation he had with the Army authorities before he decided to conscript Mr. R. A. Williams, who was discharged on compassionate grounds within the past few months;

(2) why he insists on conscripting Mr. R A. Williams, of Cardiff, registration number CXX56307, in view of the fact that this man was granted a compassionate discharge from the Army during the past year, and in view of the fact that the circumstances for which this discharge was granted have now been aggravated; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Watkinson

Mr. Williams exercised his statutory right under Section 82 of the Army Act to purchase his discharge within three months after the date of his attestation. He was not: discharged on compassionate grounds, and no question of consultation with the Army authorities arose. His attention had been drawn to the fact that discharge by purchase does not release a man from any whole-time or part-time liability he may have under the National Service Acts. He was accordingly required to register under those Acts.

He applied for postponement of call-up on the grounds of exceptional hardship, but the Military Service (Hardship) Committee refused his application. In these circumstances his call-up must proceed, but he will not be required to report for service until March.

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