§ 22. Mr. Silkinasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that it is the practice for persons desiring to join the Air Force who have not a birth certificate available to be charged 3s. 7d. a copy if they obtain it at Somerset House, or 5s. Id. if it is obtained from the local registrar of births, deaths, and marriages; and whether, in view of the hardship involved in the case of persons 'who are unemployed or of limited means, he will take steps to enable persons volunteering for the Air Force to obtain a copy of their birth certificate without charge?
§ Sir K. WoodVerification of the date of birth of any man desiring to enlist in the Royal Air Force, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve or Auxiliary Air Force can be obtained without charge by the recruiting officer from the General Register Office. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.
§ Mr. SilkinIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have in my hand a letter in which the sum of 5s. 7d.has been demanded for a certificate for this purpose? Will he look into the matter and see that it is not repeated?
§ Sir K. WoodYes, Sir. Perhaps the hon. Member will let me have the letter and I will make immediate inquiries.