HC Deb 01 May 1939 vol 346 cc1501-3
51. Mr. Boothby

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether His Majesty's Government will take powers in the forthcoming Military Training Bill to extend the provisions of the Bill to classes beyond the age of 20 to 21 as and when this becomes necessary and practicable?

The Financial Secretary to the War Office (Sir Victor Warrender)

I have been asked to reply. I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 26th April, to which I have nothing to add.

Mr. Boothby

In the event of an Amendment being moved on the Second Reading of this Bill to give the Government these powers, will it be given serious consideration?

52. Mr. Kennedy

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any register has been compiled of men between the ages of 20 and 21and, assuming that the whole number required for training will not be called simultaneously, he can now state the basis on which the call will be determined?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. There are, however, various sources of information which can be utilised for this purpose. It is not yet possible to state on what basis the order of calling up would be determined.

53. Mr. Mathers

asked the Secretary of State for War op what authority it was announced that if men between the ages of 20 and 21 wished to avoid conscription they must enlist by midnight on 26thApril?

Sir V. Warrender

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced on 26th April that all men between the ages of 20 and 21 would be liable to be called up for military training under the Military Training Bill. It follows that men between these ages who enlist after that date would fall within the ambit of the provisions of the Bill. No announcement was made in the form stated in the question.

Mr. Mathers

Is it denied that such a statement was made, and was such a statement warranted simply on the strength of what the Prime Minister said? If that is not so, will the hon. Gentleman make certain that the proper position is given as much publicity as the original statement by the British Broadcasting Corporation?

Sir V. Warrender

No statement such as is contained in the question was made. It was announced that men who joined the Territorial Army under the age of 21 would be exempt from the Military Training Bill.

Mr. Mathers

How does the hon. Gentleman account for the rush there was to apply at recruiting offices on that particular night? Was it not on the distinct understanding that had been given by the B.B.C. that they were liable if they did not offer themselves for enlistment on that night? I am asking whether the hon. Gentleman is correcting that statement, and will he see that the correction gets equal publicity?

Sir V. Warrender

All that was announced was that those men who voluntarily enlisted under the age of 21 before the announcement was made would be exempt.

Mr. Mathers

I am asking that that should be corrected before the Bill becomes law, because a statement of that kind cannot be authorised until after the Bill becomes law.

Mr. De la Bère

Would it not be unjust to blame the B.B.C?