§ Mr. JAMES THOMASasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that application has been made for the discharge of Private James Thomas Jenkins, 19th Hussars, Aldershot, with a view of his assisting to keep his widowed mother; whether inquiries were made by the police at Bassaleg which proved that work was waiting for him; whether the commander-in-chief at Aldershot refused to sanction such discharge; and if he will take steps to enable this soldier to support his mother by granting him his discharge?
§ Mr. HALDANEI have made inquiries and find that the general officer commanding in chief has refused the application on the grounds that the promised employment is of uncertain character, that there are three other sons of full age, and that the soldier has shown little disposition to help his mother while in the service. The police report bears out this view of the case, and I do not propose to interfere.