§ 93. Miss Baconasked the Under-secretary of State for Air if he is aware that Aircraftman 2nd Class Colin Senior entered the Royal Air Force on 17th September, 1953, that his father, a war pensioner, died on 23rd September, that his mother has a nine year old daughter to look after, that her eldest son is a Regular in the Royal Air Force, and that Aircraftman 2nd Class Senior was sent to the Middle East at the end of December; and, in view of the fact that he was one of four chosen out of 165 for overseas service, why the request of the hon. Lady the Member for Leeds, North-East made in November for a compassionate discharge or posting was refused.
Mr. WardI have reviewed the facts of this case with great care. A.C.2 Senior was one of the only four cook assistants in his entry and all of them were needed overseas. I should only be justified in altering my decision if, for example, there was serious illness at the airman's home, and his presence was certified to be indispensable.