§ 47. Brigadier-General Clifton Brownasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that a general election cannot be long delayed and of the feeling throughout the country that the next Parliament should be largely composed of younger men and more especially of those who have seen active service in this war, he will direct that those of the latter category who have been already adopted by constituencies, but are now serving abroad, should be now returned for duties in this country so as to give them equal opportunity with civilians and with Service men stationed at home of placing their views personally before their constituents at meetings or other occasions.
§ Mr. AttleeThe position is as stated by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War, in reply, to a Question addressed to him by my hon. Friend the Member for Stratford (Mr. Groves) on the 6th June last.
§ Brigadier-General Clifton BrownIn view of our experience and that of foreign nations, will the right hon. Gentleman see 2370 that these Service men are given every facility to place their views before the electorate?
§ Mr. Austin HopkinsonCan the right hon. Gentleman give us any information as to various persons who are going round the Services and suggesting to future candidates that their expenses will be paid in certain conditions? Who are these persons and where does the money come from?
§ Mr. AttleeI have no knowledge of that and the question should be addressed to the responsible Ministers.
§ Mr. John DugdaleWill my right hon. Friend facilitate the return to this country of personnel from the three Services, who have been invited to attend selection committees with a view to being adopted as candidates?
§ Mr. AttleeIf my hon. Friend reads the reply to which I have referred, he will see that the point is covered.
§ Mr. BuchananDo we understand that the Government will not interfere directly or indirectly with the free choice of candidates for election to the House?
§ Mr. AttleeThat hardly arises.