§ 38. Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of Labour whether, on the formation of a new German army within the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, he will take steps to allow National Service men who have lost parents and relatives at the hands of the German army or Nazi authorities or have had relatives murdered or tortured in German concentration camps to claim exemption from military service on these grounds.
§ Mr. WatkinsonNo, Sir.
§ Mr. LewisIs it not straining the loyalty of these National Service men to expect them to associate with the German army, which will be officered largely by former Nazis and others who committed bestial crimes against their relatives? Surely it is too much to expect them to be associated with such people? Is not that a sufficient ground for carrying out the suggestion I have made, and allow them to claim exemption for the reasons stated in the Question?
§ Mr. WatkinsonThe implications of the hon. Member are outside the scope of this Question.