HC Deb 15 April 1918 vol 105 c49W
Mr. JOWETT

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Private George Peel, No. 19987, a soldier under nineteen years of age, has been sent to France, although his father had previously objected on the ground that the boy was too young to serve, and had sent a copy of the soldier's birth certificate to the commanding officer; if he is further -aware that the soldier's father has in his possession two written assurances which he received in reply to his communications to the commanding officer, the second of which is dated 11th March, 1918, both stating definitely that the soldier would not be sent overseas until he reached the age of nineteen; and what action he intends to take to redeem the pledges of the Government in regard to this and other cases of boys under age who have recently been sent overseas against the known wishes of their parents and guardians?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I am afraid I can add nothing to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on Tuesday last.