§ 1. Mr. KINGasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the need of recruiting for the Navy and the number of friendly aliens of military age in this country, among whom are engineering students who are refugees from Belgium, he will now follow the example of the War Office and permit friendly aliens to enlist in the Navy up to 2 per cent, of the authorised strength?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)As I informed my hon. Friend on Wednesday last, only men and boys who are the sons of British-born subjects are now accepted for entry in any branch of the Naval Service.
§ Mr. KINGYes, but if you accept friendly aliens in the Army, why cannot you accept them in the Navy? Is there any legal or political difficulty?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIt is not a question of friendly aliens. We admit only the sons of Britsh-born subjects for service in the Navy.
§ Mr. KINGWas it not exactly the same with the Army a few months ago? And if the Army has changed its policy why cannot the Navy do so also?
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEWhat about Battenburg?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member is arguing the matter.