HC Deb 13 March 1940 vol 358 cc1199-200
78. Mr. Culverwell

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that it is the practice in the Service Ministries to send last-minute telegrams to candidates for commissions, instructing them to appear before the selection and medical boards, in spite of the fact that the date and place of their required appearance has been known for some days to those responsible for the arrangements; and whether, in the interests of economy, of saving unnecessary load on the telegraphic system and effecting greater consideration for the candidates concerned, these summonses in future will be transmitted through the post?

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

It has not been the practice of the Service Departments to send telegrams instructing candidates for commissions to appear for interview except in cases where this was necessary on account of urgency, more particularly in the early stages of the war. In normal circumstances, communications are sent by post.

Mr. Culverwell

I am very glad to have the hon. Gentleman's assurances, and I hope they will be carried out. May I ask him to bring this matter to the attention of the Secretary of State for Air, who has been as much at fault as he himself has in this respect?