HC Deb 16 May 1944 vol 400 cc13-4
22. Mrs. Hardie

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that on 8th December, 1942, a pledge was given by the Minister of Labour that men serving in the Army would not be sent overseas below the age of 19 years; and why that pledge is now to be broken.

Sir J. Grigg

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave last Tuesday to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for The Hartlepools (Colonel Greenwell). The reasons for this step were then set out.

Mrs. Hardie

May I ask if the Secretary of State is aware that that reply does not cover the point I put in my Question, which was that the Minister of Labour, in bringing forward this legislation, stated that it was intended to give boys longer training, and definitely pledged himself that no boy would be sent overseas under 19 years of age? The question I want to ask is—Why should that pledge have been broken without the consent of the House?

Sir J. Grigg

I certainly consulted the Minister of Labour before making the announcement which I have made, and also my other colleagues.

Mr. Ballenger

Is the Minister aware that, as my hon. Friend has stated, a definite pledge was given that this House would be consulted on this matter, and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in the last war, there was a great deal of dissatisfaction among the older soldiers at having young lads side by side with them in battle?

Sir J. Grigg

This step, I can assure the hon. Member, was not taken lightly, and my last answer was intended to inform the House. If the hon. Member will look up the statement of the Minister of Labour, I think he will find that it is not in the categorical terms which he suggests.

Mrs. Hardie

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that, on a previous occasion when the age was reduced, the Prime Minister came to the House and asked permission? Why was that not done in this case?

Sir J. Grigg

I thought I was, in giving that last answer, consulting the House.

Mr. Stokes

Gestapo methods.