HC Deb 14 December 1954 vol 535 cc1571-2
37. Mr. Remnant

asked the Minister of Labour what steps are taken by his Department to acquire the information necessary to call up immigrants from the West Indies in cases where they have a liability under the National Service legislation.

Mr. Watkinson

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Louth (Mr. Osborne) on 2nd November, 1954, and add that, where necessary, the information to determine the liability for National Service of any British subject entering Great Britain for the first time is obtained at a personal interview.

Mr. Remnant

Will my hon. Friend consider whether there is any adequate reason why immigrants of all colours should not accept that liability in this country at the same time as they receive the country's benefits?

Mr. Watkinson

This is rather a complicated subject, but if my hon. Friend would like to come to see me, I shall be happy to give him the full details. So far as normal immigrants are concerned, we are quite satisfied that if they are two years in this country they do fulfil their liability for National Service.