§ 89. Mr. Reevesasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the release from the service of 22581672 Private H. Lines, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, who, owing to physical disability has had three spells in hospital and whose curvature of the spine and half-inch shortening of his leg would appear to make him entirely unsuited to the rigours of basic training.
§ Mr. HeadNo. I arranged for a further specialist examination of this soldier and I am satisfied that there are no medical grounds for his discharge from the Army. He has spent 22 days in hospital, 9 days of which were due to a septic finger.
§ 90. Mr. Yatesasked the Secretary of State for War why 14462099 Gunner D. H. Mann, 32 Medium Regiment, Royal Artillery, has been posted to Hong Kong after the date of his original contract; and if, in view of his previous service of three years in India and the Middle East, he will reconsider the decision not to permit this soldier to complete his service at home.
§ Mr. HeadMy hon. Friend has explained to the hon. Member why this 119W soldier was eligible to accompany his regiment overseas. I cannot reconsider the decision, since this would mean giving the man an advantage over others similarly placed.