HC Deb 10 November 1942 vol 383 cc2257-8
57. Sir H. Morris-Jones

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in regard to our men who are prisoners of war and who desire to enter the Civil Service and other Government occupations after the war, he will give an assurance that allowance will be made in calculating their age for the time of their captivity?

Sir K. Wood

While it would be in accordance with past practice to make an age allowance for the time spent in the Fighting Services, the question of the conditions under which ex-Service men may enter the Civil Service after the war will be a matter for the Government of the day.

Sir H. Morris-Jones

Can my right hon. Friend not give an indication now to the many parents in this country whose sons are prisoners of war in Germany? They want to know what their position will be. Will it not be a great injustice to those young men if, by virtue of the lapse of time, they are not able to enter the Civil Service, which they would have been able to enter if they had not been prisoners of war?

Sir K. Wood

I do not think there will be any difficulty.

Sir H. Morris-Jones

But will the right hon. Gentleman not give an indication, so that the parents may know where they are? Members of Parliament are getting letters from parents on this question, and I think it is only fair that they should be told how they stand in regard to their boys.

Sir K. Wood

I do not think there will be any difficulty.