HC Deb 03 November 1920 vol 134 cc388-9W
Dr. M'DONALD

asked the Secretary of State for War if Private Orrell, No. 113,613, King's Liverpool Regiment, enlisted in the Army when 16 years of age; if he is aware that his mother applied for his release before he attained the age of 17; and whether this boy was drafted overseas before he reached the age for such services, and contrary to the regulations?

Sir A. WILLIAMSON

I am making inquiries into this case, and will let the hon. Member know the result as soon as possible.

Mr. MACLEAN

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Private H. Malonry, No. 7629, 1st Battalion, Highland Light Infantry, attached to No. 6 concentration camp, Doolali, completed his service in the Army in the year 1916, but was kept in the service under the Military Service Act of that year; whether he has not yet been demobilised owing to his having been awarded various terms of detention since June, 1919; whether it is the, case that this man never had any detention during his service prior to June, 1919; whether he is aware that on 11th August, 1920, he was awarded 18 months' detention, which sentence was confirmed by the general officer commanding, Bombay brigade, who directed that the sentence should be carried out not in the United Kingdom; whether this man was wounded about a fortnight before the Armistice in Mesopotamia and invalided to India; and whether, in view of the fact that this man had a good character without detention until June, 1919, and in view of the fact that his service as a reservist expired in 1916, he is prepared to reconsider this case and allow this soldier to return home, seeing that he has been in the service two years after hostilities have ceased?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Inquiries are being made into this case, and I will let the hon. Member know the result as soon as possible.

Mr. CAIRNS

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that on 22nd July, 1920, he sent a card to Private George Smith, B Squadron, 6th Dragoon Guards, attached 4th Hussars, No. 35,580, South Cavalry Barracks, Aldershot, Hants, promising to consider his release on the grounds of his being 17 years of age when he joined up and that he had work to go to, and from that date till now he has heard no more about it; and will he inquire into it?

Sir A. WILLIAMSON

This case was referred to the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief concerned, who is authorised to deal with such applications. Enquiries are being made as to the action taken, and I will let the hon. Member know the result in due course.