HC Deb 26 May 1965 vol 713 cc85-6W
56. Mr. Victor Yates

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is aware that ex-Craftsman B. Holliday, 2299903, of Duddeston, Birmingham, was charged with failing to attend a muster parade in February, 1964, found guilty and sentenced to a punishment which led to his reduction to the ranks, and that this conviction was later quashed; why he was permitted to buy himself out of the Army before the punishment was erased from his record; and why his commanding officer has since declined to give him a reference, although he left the Army with an exemplary character.

Mr. Reynolds

I am aware of the facts of the case. As I have explained to my hon. Friend, Craftsman Holliday was reduced to the ranks because he was considered unsuitable to continue as a non-commissioned officer. A soldier is given a conduct grading and a testimonial on leaving the Army and there is no obligation upon his officers to provide any other reference.