HC Deb 02 April 1917 vol 92 cc941-2W
Sir H. ROBERTS

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Private Hugh Gwilym Hughes, No. 24500; whether he is aware that he joined the 63rd Training Reserve Battalion on the 13th February, 1917, being subsequently transferred to the King's Liverpool Regiment; whether he has already been sent overseas, although he will not be nineteen years of age until 6th September next; and whether, in view of the Parliamentary pledge that those under nineteen should not be sent overseas for active service, steps will be taken for his transfer to this country, upon the usual evidence as to age being submitted?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I am not aware of the circumstances of this case. A report has been called for and if it is found that this lad has been sent overseas in error before attaining the age of nineteen years, instructions will be issued for his immediate recall to this country.

Mr. SNOWDEN

asked if the promise of the War Office that boys under nineteen should not be sent abroad still holds good; and, if so, why has Private Frank Peake, No. 63146, 6th Company, 10th Labour Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment, been sent to France three weeks after he was called to the Colours?

Mr. MACPHERSON

There is no intention of departing from the promise of the War Office that boys under nineteen years of age will not knowingly be sent overseas. A report has been called for in connection with the allegation that Private Peake has been sent abroad before attaining the age of nineteen years, and orders have been issued for his immediate recall to this country if the statement is proved to be correct.

Mr. JOWETT

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will ascertain why Private F. Pearson, No. 276, 6th Company, 3rd Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment, has been sent on foreign service at the age of eighteen years seven months, notwithstanding the assurance given to the hon. Member for West Bradford on 21st November last in reply to a question in this House.

Mr. MACPHERSON

If this lad has been sent overseas, it is contrary to the instructions issued by the War Office. A full report has been called for, and an order has been given that the lad should be recalled, if he has proceeded overseas.