HC Deb 06 November 1919 vol 120 cc1694-5W
Major Sir KEITH FRASER

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will consider the case of Private R. Fields, No. 11456, Beds and Herts Regiment, Brocton Camp, Staffordshire, with a view to his release from the Army, he having enlisted on 15th July, 1919, at Northampton Barracks, at the age of seventeen years and two months, against his parent's wish, his father having claimed him within a week of his enlistment and having made repeated applications for his discharge since with no result; and what authority is there for keeping a lad in the Army who is under military age when his parent does not approve of his having enlisted?

Mr. FORSTER

The discharge of a youth who misstates his age and enlists when over seventeen years of age is only granted under certain circumstances, and as a concession. The discharge of Private Fields has been refused after careful consideration.