HC Deb 07 August 1940 vol 364 cc183-4
11. Mr. Leach

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether his recruiting officers have been instructed to interrogate applicants for service as to their religious beliefs and to reject them if they reply Atheist or Agnostic; and will he consider removing this deterrent?

The Secretary of State for Air (Sir Archibald Sinclair)

A recruit is required on attestation to declare his religious denomination, if any. The answer to the second part of the Question is in the negative, and the last part does not therefore arise.

Mr. Leach

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that recruiting officers have refused applicants on these grounds?

Sir A. Sinclair

If the hon. Member will send me any cases which he has in mind, I shall be very glad to look into them.