HC Deb 21 March 1951 vol 485 cc2420-1
52. Commander Noble

asked the Minister of Defence whether he will make arrangements for recruiting for all three services to take place in territories under control of the Colonial Office, including any medical or technical examinations required.

Mr. Shinwell

It is not at present intended to open recruiting offices overseas, but the matter will be kept under review.

Commander Noble

Is the Minister aware that the Secretary of State for Air told the House last week that if men in Jamaica wanted to join the Royal Air Force they had to come all the way to this country for an examination? Does he not think that, in Colonial Territories where this would be easy, examination should be carried out on the spot; for example, as in Malta?

Mr. Shinwell

It is a fair point, I agree, if we want to recruit these men. At present, it is not intended to go beyond what we have already done.