HC Deb 27 February 1940 vol 357 cc1885-6
62. Miss Rathbone

asked the Secretary of State for War whether men over the age for registration, who have voluntarily joined up before or after the outbreak of war for home defence only, are compelled to accompany their units if they go overseas; and, if not, what steps they should take if they desire to secure transfer to other units?

Mr. Stanley

If a man who has not enlisted, or subsequently accepted a liability, for general service, is ordered overseas, he should report the facts to his commanding officer. He will not then be sent overseas, and will, if necessary, be transferred to another unit at home.

Miss Rathbone

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many men are unconscious that they can object and have failed to do so; and will he make it generally known to commanding officers that men need not accompany their units overseas if they joined for home defence only? Will he give men an opportunity of saying whether they consent or do not consent?

Mr. Stanley

I will certainly inquire to see whether that is fully understood.