HC Deb 14 November 1939 vol 353 c522
72. Mr. Edmund Harvey

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the recommendations made by tribunals that certain men registered by them for non-combatant duties only should be given service in the Royal Army Medical Corps; and if he can give an assurance that such recommendations will be carried out?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

Such men will be employed only on non-combatant duties, either in the Royal Army Medical Corps or elsewhere.

Mr. Harvey

There is, therefore, no assurance that they will be employed in the Royal Army Medical Corps?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

They will be employed only on non-combatant duties.

Mr. Harvey

My question was whether there would be an assurance that they would be employed in the Royal Army Medical Corps if so recommended by the tribunal?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

That depends on whether there are the necessary vacancies for them.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Has there been an official definition of what is meant by non-combatant service?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I cannot say without notice.