HC Deb 21 May 1947 vol 437 cc2477-8
Brigadier Head

I beg to move, in page 10, line 10, to leave out "be allowed to," and to insert "if he so desires."

This is a fairly straightforward Amendment. It will be recalled that during the Committee stage an Amendment was tabled, and to some extent was acceded to, to make it obligatory on the Minister to permit call-up under the age of 18 when desired. The right hon. Gentleman went so far to meet us as to substitute the word "shall" for the word "may." This Amendment is merely to cross the "t's" and to ensure that we substitute the words "so desires" for the words at present in the Clause. It is not a matter of great substance, but it ensures that it is obligatory on the Minister to meet the wishes of the individual to be called up whenever he desires.

Brigadier Prior-Palmer

I beg to second the Amendment.

Mr. Ness Edwards

I do not wish violently to resist this Amendment. As the Clause now stands it is clear that— The Minister shall, by regulations, make provision whereby, for sufficient cause.… and so long as those are the governing words we do not object to the substitution of the words proposed in the Amendment. In those circumstances. I am prepared to accept the Amendment.

Amendment agreed to.