§ 91. Mr. M. MacPhersonasked the Secretary of State for War on what grounds a soldier may obtain his discharge by purchase; how many soldiers have obtained discharge by purchase since July, 1945; what has been the highest sum paid; and what has been the lowest.
§ Mr. StracheyRegular soldiers have a right, subject to Section 81 of the Army Act, to purchase their discharge within three months of their enlistment. For soldiers with longer service, discharge by purchase is a privilege which, since 1st August, 1950, has been granted only on compassionate grounds. Prior to 1st August, 1950, discharge by purchase was permitted in the case of Regular soldiers who were not in certain classes of tradesmen and had at least three years' service 187W provided their discharge was recommended by their commanding officer. There were additional conditions in the case of soldiers serving overseas. From March, 1948, when discharge by purchase was reintroduced, until November, 1950, 8,257 soldiers, including recruits in their first three months of service, obtained their discharge either on payment or, in certain cases, free. The total includes 1,663 who obtained their discharge free. Of those required to pay, the highest sum paid was £200 and the lowest £10.