§ 71. Major Petherickasked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the anxiety and dissatisfaction caused in the Royal Observer Corps owing to his recent action in dismissing certain men aged 50 and over, he will, as the corps cannot be considered a military organisation, be willing to receive a deputation of Members of Parliament on the subject?
§ Sir A. SinclairThe decision to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers was announced to the House on 25th November and has since been the subject of debate. It is already in operation and, glad as I am to discuss with hon. Members matters in which they are interested, no useful purpose could be served by reopening this question.
§ Major PetherickDoes my right hon. Friend then refuse to receive a deputation? I do not quite understand that, in view of the fact that I am suggesting in the Question that he should receive a deputation of Members of Parliament to state the case on behalf of those who have been or are being dismissed.
§ Sir A. SinclairIf my hon. and gallant Friend or any of my hon. Friends wish to see me to ask for further explanations, of course I am at their service, but the decision cannot now be altered.
§ Earl WintertonIs my right hon. Friend not aware that he has a constitutional duty to perform, and that if Members of Parliament wish to see him as a deputation, they are perfectly entitled to do so?
§ Sir A. SinclairI have already said so twice.