HC Deb 28 October 1954 vol 531 cc2127-8
32. Mr. Shepherd

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury which Departments of State refuse to allow civil servants to volunteer for, or remain in, the Territorial Army.

Mr. H. Brooke

All Departments encourage civil servants to undertake voluntary service in the Territorial Army, and the other Reserve and auxiliary Forces, to the fullest extent consistent with the national interest. Permission is withheld only where it would not be in the national interest for the civil servant to be called away from his work on the outbreak of a war.

Mr. Shepherd

Can my hon. Friend justify a young person employed in a junior position in the Ministry of Defence being forced to resign his duties in the Territorial Army? He is surely not a key person in any way?

Mr. Brooke

The decision in every case is for the Department concerned, and perhaps, therefore, my hon. Friend would address that question to the Minister of Defence.