§ Mr. NEIL MACLEANasked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether Private W. M'Niven, No. 75348, 1st Battalion Highland Light Infantry, is under eighteen years of age; whether his mother has made application for the release and forwarded his birth certificate; whether it is the intention to keep boys under age in the Army without the consent of their parents; and whether he will take steps to order the release of this lad;
(2) Whether Private J. M'Laughlin, No. 75028, 1st Battalion Highland Light Infantry, is under eighteen years of age; whether his mother, a widow, has made application for his release, as he is the only one of her family whose wages can help to support her; whether a detective officer was sent to her house to make inquiries into her circumstances; whether the conditions of his release depend upon the furniture in or standard of comfort of his home; and if he can state whether this application has been before his Department since July, and when his release can be expected?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am making inquiries into the cases mentioned in these questions, and will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.