§ Mr. Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the sentence of 84 days imposed on a private in the Parachute Regiment for disobeying an order to make a parachute descent from a balloon; and whether he will take steps to annul the sentence.
§ Mr. F. MacleanA man who joins a parachute unit has to pass physical and mental stability tests and if he does so is sent on a six weeks' course. It is made clear to the man that at any time during his training, which includes balloon descents, he may honourably withdraw. It is also made clear that the soldier who completes his course joins an airborne unit and thereby incurs an obligation to 159W make parachute descents as required in the course of duty. In recognition of this he receives 4s. a day extra pay. It is well known that refusal to jump after training is a serious offence.
I have been into the whole matter and I am convinced that the present system is justified by the exceptional task which these men have to perform. In accordance with normal procedure this sentence will come up for review next month.