Sir J. HOPEasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the parents of Private A. M. Nelson, No. 1053219, 24th Battery, Royal Field 424W Artillery, Larkhill, wrote to the War Office on 31st January claiming the discharge of their son as having enlisted at the age of 17, and that they have received no reply except an acknowledgment; and if, even if the claim for such a discharge cannot be allowed, he will arrange that answers giving decisions and reasons for same should be sent in reasonable time to parents who cannot be conversant with constantly changing regulations?
§ Sir R. SANDERSMy hon. and gallant Friend had already brought this case to the notice of the War Office, and I understand that a reply has now been sent to the parents of the soldier. He is being retained on the home establishment, as he is still under age for drafting overseas. Meanwhile the question of his discharge is being reconsidered. I much regret the delay in sending the reply, but I am not aware of the circumstances in which it occurred. In general, the importance of dealing promptly with such matters is well understood.