§ Captain BOWYERasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will inquire into the case of Drummer W. H. Webster, No. 10,909, 1st Northants Regiment, Richmond Barracks, Templemore, Tipperary, Ireland; whether he is aware that this man enlisted, without informing his father of his intentions, on 25th August, 1919, at the age of 17; that repeated applications have been made for his demobilisation, as he is the sole support of his grandmother, but with no success, and that offers to buy him out have also been made and refused; and whether he will state what steps should be taken to ensure this man's early demobilisation?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLApplications for the release of this soldier have been considered and refused, as the circumstances brought forward did not justify his discharge from the Army being authorised.1714W I am not aware that offers to buy-Drummer Webster out of the Army have been made, but if such an application was refused this was in order, as discharges by purchase were suspended in 1914. As regards re-opening purchase of discharge, I would refer my hon. and gallant friend to my reply yesterday to the hon. Member for West Middlesbrough.