35. Brigadier Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for War if he will arrange to bring Army Form B 271 A up to date, so that soldiers making their attestation may know their full liability for retention in the service.
§ Mr. StracheyYes, Sir. This is being done. In the meantime, instructions are being issued to the recruiting staff to ensure that the additional liabilities imposed by the Prolongation of Service Act are explained to all applicants for Regular engagements.
Brigadier ClarkeDoes the Minister appreciate that the existing attestation form says that a man may be held to serve an additional 12 months in an emergency, that the man signs that form but now is referred to a 1939 order and is told that he can be held for 18 months or longer? Is not this dishonest? Surely in the last five or six years the form could have been changed?
§ Mr. StracheyI think it is right that the attestation form should be changed, and it is being changed.
§ Major Legge-BourkeDoes the answer the right hon. Gentleman has just given apply to all three Services? There is some resentment at the misunderstanding which arose in other Services besides the Army.
§ Mr. StracheyI was answering on behalf of the Army.