§ Dr. John A. Cunninghamasked the Minister of State for Defence how many recruits have been refused discharge from Her Majesty's Forces in the last five years, after having applied during the first three months of their service; and what procedure is open to them to complain about the system of application, and also to appeal against the decision.
§ Lord BalnielSince male other rank recruits have a statutory right to purchase their discharge for a nominal sum452W during the first three months of service—six for young Servicemen—no such application could be refused. Any Serviceman has the right to complain to his commanding officer in respect of any matter in which he feels himself wronged.
§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Minister of State for Defence how many applications for discharge by purchase have been received from members of each branch of the Royal Navy who were adult entrants; and how many of these applications were approved.
§ Mr. KirkApplications for discharge by purchase received from Royal Naval ratings are reviewed every three months. During the last application period ending 30th September, 1970, the numbers of applications received from adult entrants, and the numbers approved, were as follows:
Branch Total Applications Total Approved Seaman 43 20 Marine Engineering 47 27 Weapons and Electrical Engineering 22 12 Supply and Secretariat 13 9 Communication 8 3 Medical 4 3 Regulating 2 2 Naval Airman 5 2 Naval Air Mechanic 2 1 146 79 Numbers in the form requested are not readily available for earlier periods.