§ Mr. MURRAYasked the Secretary of State for War why the military authorities have refused to discharge Private James Cairney, No. 2,924,971, Cameron Highlanders, in spite of the fact that his mother has submitted to them the boy's birth certificate, showing him to have been 17 when he enlisted and that he will not attain the enlistment, age of 18 until 11th July, 1924?
§ Mr. WALSHThe circumstances of this case are unknown at the War Office, but inquiries are being made. The dis- 1797W charge of a soldier between the ages of 17 and 18 years, who misstated his age on enlistment, is only granted where compassionate grounds exist. While full consideration is always given to cases of this nature, it should be understood that discharge cannot be claimed as a right.