§ 99. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for War how many boys, enlisted with the Army since 1946, have been discharged, by purchase, on compassionate grounds and for other reasons; what amount has to be paid for purchase; and, in view of the immaturity of boys of 15 or 16 years of age, whether he is satisfied that this fact is adequately recognised so as to allow them to choose for themselves whether they desire to continue in the Army or otherwise when they reach a more mature age.
§ Mr. HeadSeparate records are not kept of the discharge of enlisted boys and to get this information would require a special examination of all discharge documents for this period. The payment for discharge within three months of enlistment, under Section 82 of the Army Act, is £20. At present discharge by purchase otherwise is only allowed on compassionate grounds. The amount to be paid for boys so discharged does not exceed £150 and this is usually reduced according to the circumstances of the case and ability to pay.
As regards the third part of the Question, these boys have been given an expensive training and some undertaking for future service must be obtained, but the exact period is under review.