§ 82. Commander Nobleasked the Parliamentary Secretary of the Admiralty whether any decision has yet been reached on the release of boys who joined for continuous service during the early months of the war.
Mr. DugdaleAs I promised in the House during the Debate on the adjournment on 7th August last, consideration has been given to extending to boy entries the scheme for transferring to short service engagements those men who entered for continuous service in the early months of the war and who satisfied the conditions given in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Huddersfield (Mr. Mallalieu) on 6th August last.
Boys who entered in the early days of the war were entered with the long-term requirements of the Royal Navy in mind. The system was exactly the same as in prewar days and it should have been clear to the boys and their parents that entry was on the basis of a 12-year engagement from the age of 18: only therefore in those cases where there are special compassionate circumstances can premature discharge be considered.
My noble Friend has decided, however, that some modification of the present regulations regarding the engagement of seamen and communication boys may be granted without detriment to the Navy's 346W requirements. He has accordingly decided that all boys in these two categories shall now be allowed the option, immediately before they reach the age of 18, of transferring to a Special Service engagement, that is for seven years with the. Fleet from their 18th birthday and five years in the Reserve.