§ Mr. Thurtleasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if there is any prospect of engineer artificers who contracted, when boys, to serve for 12 years being allowed to purchase their discharge in the near future.
Mr. DugdaleIn common with all other ratings engine room artificers are allowed to purchase their discharge, or are granted a free discharge if necessary, in exceptional compassionate circumstances. It was made clear when the new scheme for discharge by purchase was announced early in 1948 that discharges may have to be severely limited in the interests of the Services. It will not be possible to allow less restricted purchase of discharge until the regular strength of the Navy is more stable and balanced than it is at present.