HC Deb 12 December 1968 vol 775 cc201-2W
72. Mr. Onslow

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table showing the number of Servicemen who applied to purchase their discharge, and the numbers allowed to do so, in each of the past four years, together with the totals of those remaining on the waiting lists for purchase of discharge at the end of each of those years.

Mr. John Morris

The following is the information. Numbers of Servicemen allowed to purchase their discharge:

1964 7,324
1965 8,885
1966 8,786
1967 9,087
These figures include discharges by purchase as of right during the first three months of service. This right was introduced into the Royal Navy in February, 1967.

Numbers of Servicemen remaining on the waiting lists of the Royal Navy and R.A.F. at the end of the years given:

1964 1,164
1965 1,361
1966 1,498
1967 660
There is no waiting list in the Army but the entry procedure permits a steady flow of discharges by purchase.