§ 4. Mr. Gammansasked the Secretary of State for War for what reason 14289339 B.I. Private Yusof, has been refused permission to re-enlist in the Army, in view of the fact that he is medically fit and it not over the age limit.
§ Mr. BellengerI have written to the hon. Member about this case. Private Yusof is above the age limit for a normal Regular enlistment.
§ Mr. GammansIs the Minister aware that according to the man's own Service book the Army have admitted that he is under 30? Is not the real reason why this man is not allowed to enlist because he is of non-European ancestry, and is it not Army policy to exclude British subjects unless they are white?
§ Mr. BellengerThe hon. Member asked about this particular case. I gave a full answer in my letter, and that answer shows that the suggestion he has put to me is not accurate. As for the man's age, my information is that he is above the age limit.
§ Mr. GammansIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in his own Service pay-book, which I hold in my hand, the 201 Army has admitted that this man is 2g years of age? Is not the real reason something entirely different, which the right hon. Gentleman is not prepared to disclose?
§ Mr. BellengerI do not know why the hon. Member should continue with that insinuation. If he will show me that Army book 64 I will have a look at it.