asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can see his way to grant the discharge of Marine J. C. Cockell, D. 7, E Company, Royal Marines, Chatham, as he has the opportunity of a career awaiting him with the Prudential Assurance Company; and whether he is aware that Marine Cockell has passed his examination for the post and that the Prudential Assurance Company will employ him when discharged?

The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Sir Bolton Eyres Monsell):

As the Royal Marine Corps is short of its authorised numbers, I am afraid that it is not possible to grant a discharge by purchase in this case at present. As regards the second part of the question, there are other applicants for discharge by purchase with stronger claims, as well as longer service, whose cases are being similarly treated.

Does my right hon. Friend not realise that for engaging in the occupation of industrial assurance, especially as a canvasser, there is no better upbringing than to have served in the Marines?