§ Dr. Petersasked the Secretary of State for War in how many cases during the present war has he refused the release of a serving officer or man whose wife has died, or been killed by enemy action, leaving a young child or children; and in how many such cases has he granted release on compassionate grounds for a definite or indefinite period, respectively?
§ Sir J. GriggThe available statistics show only how many releases have been authorised and how many have been refused. It would not be possible without undue expenditure of time and labour to ascertain the number of releases authorised or refused on any particular grounds. Compassionate releases are usually granted in these cases to give the officer or soldier an opportunity to make arrangements for the care of his children. Indefinite releases are not granted in these cases but the period of the release may be extended if the compassionate circumstances justify such a course.