HC Deb 25 November 1947 vol 444 cc1768-9
3. Mr. Symonds

asked the Minister of Labour in what circumstances British subjects, by naturalisation, are not called up under the National Service Acts; and, in view of the desire of such persons to fulfil all their obligations of British citizenship, if he will take whatever steps are necessary to enable them to do so.

Mr. Isaacs

Until the National Service Act, 1947, comes into force in January, 1949, the only men liable to be called up are those covered by a Royal Proclamation. The last Royal Proclamation was issued in May, 1944, and does not cover men who were not then British subjects. After January, 1949, Royal Proclamations will not be necessary, and naturalised British subjects will then have the same liability as other men of military age. I do not consider it desirable that a fresh Royal Proclamation should be issued for the special purpose of imposing liability on the small number of men to whom my hon. Friend refers.

Mr. Symonds

Is the Minister aware that the men referred to will feel it very keenly if they are to be treated in some way as a separate group of people? Having been given the privileges of British citizenship, they are only too anxious to carry out all the obligations if they are allowed.

Mr. Isaacs

The Royal Proclamation under which I have to act imposes a liability on British subjects on the date of the Proclamation. Therefore, I have no power to call them up, but if they are anxious to serve they can volunteer to do so.

Mr. Symonds

Is my right hon. Friend aware that two instances have been brought to my notice where the employment exchanges declared that the men were ineligible however much they might wish to volunteer?

Mr. Isaacs

I will look into that point. My information is that there are only 20 cases and I am covered by the Royal Proclamation and cannot act.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

In view of the Minister's suggestion that these men should volunteer, is he aware that they can only do so for a considerably longer period than the compulsory period of service?

Mr. Isaacs

That is so, but I thought, if they were so terribly anxious to serve the country they would want to serve longer.

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