HC Deb 18 March 1919 vol 113 cc1930-1W
Mr. RENDALL

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a recruit who joined the Royal Air Force (Wireless Telegraphy) at the age of seventeen years eight months, in September, 1918, voluntarily, and was therefore not eighteen when the Armistice was declared, ought, in consideration of the fact that he was not liable to military service at the date of the Armistice, to be refused his discharge; and, if not, will he approve the discharge of the boy in question, H. F. Thatcher, No. 292830, A. C. 2/1st Wireless School, Hut D 5, Royal Air Force, Flower Down, Winchester?

Major - General SEELY

Airman Thatcher enlisted for the duration of the War, his parents' consent having been obtained. I regret that it is impossible to allow preferential treatment in considering his claim for discharge.

Mr. N. M'LEAN

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Sapper G. Pennack, No. 192226, 14th Divisional Signal Company, Royal Engineers, Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force, who attested under the Derby scheme, can be favourably considered for immediate demobilisation, in view of the fact that his late enlistment in May, 1916, was entirely due to the refusal of the Postmaster-General to release him for earlier service?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I regret the hon. Member's suggestion cannot be entertained.

Mr. N. M'LEAN

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a special request 6th Corps Signal Company, attached 22nd Army Signal Company, Cologne, was made before the 1st ultimo for the release of Sapper W. J. Mosely, No. 222275, whether the return of this man is urgently required by the postmaster of Aldershot; whether his name appeared on the list of indispensable men supplied by the Secretary of the General Post Office; and whether he will give an assurance that this man shall be released at the earliest possible moment?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Sapper Mosely was registered by the War Office as a demobiliser before the 1st February, and instructions concerning his demobilisation were issued some time ago. Inquiries are being made into the cause of the delay, and I will inform the hon. Member of the result as early as possible.