§ 73. Mrs. Braddockasked the Secretary of State for War why 23016679 Private W. A. Smith, 12th Company, Royal Army Service Corps, The Dale, Chester, with an excellent Army record, was refused the final signature for discharge on 18th April, 1956, by a Captain Taylor, until he had his hair cut; if he is aware that no barber was on duty; that a police corporal cut his hair in a fashion which made the private a laughing stock, details and photographs of which have been sent to the War Office; and if he will have a full investigation made and make a statement.
§ Mr. F. MacleanThis soldier was ordered to get his hair cut on 18th April when a barber was available in the camp. He failed to do so. He was due for discharge on the following day, and was told that his discharge documents would not be completed until he had had his hair cut. No barber was available in the camp at that time and he was therefore advised to go to Chester. Instead he asked the Regimental Police N.C.O. to cut his hair so that he could get away from camp 25W without delay. Although Private Smith was at fault in failing to get his hair cut when first ordered to do so, I agree that his case was not well handled. I have had this made clear to all concerned.