HC Deb 16 March 1948 vol 448 cc1873-4
38. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it was with his approval that three soldiers under 19 years of age, whose names and particulars have been sent to him have been placed on a draft for Palestine; and whether he is satisfied that these men are sufficiently trained for this posting.

Mr. Shinwell

These soldiers are proceeding on drafts to the Middle East, not to Palestine, but they would be eligible for posting to Palestine after they arrive in the Middle East. As, however, there are elsewhere in the Middle East infantry battalions for which they might be required, it may be that they will be posted to one of these battalions, rather than to a battalion in Palestine. They had completed their primary and corps training over a month ago.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

In view of the fact that these three boys have had only three months training, will not the right hon. Gentleman take action to ensure that they are not sent into a situation in Palestine which is appallingly difficult even for tried troops?

Mr. Shinwell

Unfortunately, the situation is of such a character that we have a large number of boys under 19. We have to post them somewhere, particularly in view of the need for keeping units up to efficiency. I should very much like to keep the boys out of Palestine, but unfortunately when sent to the Middle East some of them have to be posted to Palestine to make good the deficiencies in some of the units.

Mr. Lipson

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the sending of these young boys is causing unreasonable anxiety to parents, and in view of the fact that the number cannot be very great, can he not place an absolute embargo on boys going to Palestine?

Mr. Shinwell

I am fully aware of the anxiety. I have received many letters, and have looked into the matter very carefully, but if I am to maintain the efficiency of the units in Palestine until the evacuation is completed, I am bound to leave the matter of posting in the hands of Middle East Command.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Is the right hon. Gentleman really telling the House that an Army of half a million men cannot maintain strengths in Palestine without posting boys of 18 there?

Mr. Shinwell

The Army of half a million men is widely dispersed, and there are many commitments. I can assure the hon. Member that I have no alternative, having given the matter careful consideration.