§ 23. Mr. Quintin Hoggasker the Secretary of State for War whether he has been made aware of the dissatisfaction still caused by the difference in the minimum age for overseas service between soldiers called up under the National Service Act, 1939, and other soldiers; and whether he will now consider consolidating the minimum age?
§ Mr. LawThe difference in the minimum age for overseas service to which my hon. Friend refers was considered and accepted by the House when the National Service (Armed Forces) Act was under discussion, and I see no reason for a departure from what was then decided.
§ Mr. HoggIs not my hon. Friend aware of the very considerable dissatisfaction among parents on this subject, and if, as I assume, the basis of the lower age for the National Service recruits is that of physical immaturity, does not that consideration apply equally to all soldiers, independently of the question of voluntary service?
§ Mr. LawNo, Sir. The reason why recruits under the National Service (Armed Forces) Act are limited to 20 years of age is that a pledge was given to this House, and that pledge must he kept. With regard to young Territorial soldiers, they joined the Territorials on the understanding that they could go overseas, and whatever dissatisfaction there may be among parents, I am certain there would be equal dissatisfaction among the young soldiers themselves if they were penalised by being kept at home.