§ 24. Sir GEORGE SCOTT ROBERTSONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many men of military age are employed in the Anti-Aircraft Corps and in its telephone section; whether all such men, if there are any who are not suffering from physical disability, have been attested under Lord Derby's scheme, and, if not, for what reason; and whether in the future no recruits will be accepted for this corps who are of military age and fit for military service?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)There are at present a considerable number of men in the Anti-Aircraft Corps of military age. A number of them are only employed at night, being engaged in other work during the day. As to whether or not any of the men of military age now serving in the Anti-Aircraft Corps would be rejected on medical grounds for Army service I cannot say, for the reason that there is no medical examination on entry into the Force. Members of the Force could not attest under Lord Derby's scheme since they are already enrolled in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. But all men who wish to join the Army have always been given their discharge and every facility afforded them. A considerable number have already sought their discharge from the corps in order to join the Army. For the last nine months no recruits of military age have been accepted unless officially rejected on medical grounds for service with the Colours.
§ Sir G. SCOTT ROBERTSONIs my right hon. Friend quite satisfied that this Anti-Aircraft Corps is not being improperly used?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI do not know in what particular my hon. Friend means, but perhaps he will put his point specifically on the Paper.