§ 41 and 42. Mr. Haleasked the Secretary of State for War (1) for what reason it has been decided to retain compulsorily in the service the Oldham Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers craftsman, whose name has been supplied to him, who is serving a sentence of imprisonment, suffers from enuresis and has made several applications for discharge;
(2) for what reason the Oldham Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers craftsman, whose name has been supplied to him, has been told that the costs of a discharge by purchase will be greater on the completion of his present term of imprisonment than before his offence.
§ Mr. ProfumoThis soldier enlisted as a Regular in July, 1957, and was absent without leave from July last year until the 23rd March this year. He was court-martialled and is now serving a sentence of detention. In January, while he was still absent, the hon. Gentleman sent me an application from the mother for the soldier's discharge on compassionate grounds. I explained that I could do nothing about it until the soldier surrendered himself. He did this, and while awaiting trial made an application for his discharge by purchase. He was told at the time that it would cost £200, and I have since informed the hon. Gentleman that there are no compassionate grounds for reducing this amount.
The soldier did not report sick with enuresis until 2nd June. His condition is 43W being investigated and treated, and I will consider whether he should be discharged on medical grounds.