HC Deb 07 May 1918 vol 105 cc1987-8W
Colonel ASHLEY

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether he is aware that Lance-Corporal (acting Sergeant) George Edwards, No. 4728, Scots Guards, enlisted in the Scots Guards on 22nd December, 1902; that he served two periods overseas and was wounded; that he was discharged time-expired on 21st December, 1915; that his application for a silver badge has been refused; and why this man was not discharged under paragraph 392 (XVI.)?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I am informed that Lance-Corporal Edwards was dis- charged under paragraph 392 (XXI.) King's Regulations on the termination of his engagement. As he now claims to be suffering from a disability due to his military service arrangements are being made for him to be examined by a medical board, and his case submitted to the Ministry of Pensions for consideration. If the medical board decide that he is permanently unfit for further military service, he will be eligible for the Silver War Badge, and will receive it on application. As regards the last part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question, Edwards was discharged during the early part of the War, and was not medically boarded. All soldiers are now examined by a medical board before discharge, whatever the reason for discharge.

Colonel ASHLEY

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether he is aware that Driver N. Allan, No. 710,117, 3rd East Lancashire Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, served in the Egyptian Expeditionary Force; that he was attached to the Indian Expeditionary Force; that he suffered from fever contracted abroad; and that he was discharged on 24th March, 1917, under paragraph 392 (XXI), King's Regulations; and why this man was not discharged under paragraph 302 (XVI.)?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I am making inquiries into the facts of this case, and will inform my hon. and gallant Friend of the result as soon as possible.