HC Deb 17 July 1956 vol 556 cc1021-2
22. Mrs. L. Jeger

asked the Secretary of State for War how many Regular soldiers have been discharged from the Army on security grounds since 1950.

Mr. Head

Twenty-seven since June, 1951, the earliest date for which the information is readily available.

Mrs. Jeger

Can the Minister say whether soldiers who are discharged in this way are given the reasons for their discharge, and any information as to the charges which are held against them?

Mr. Head

Yes, Sir. If this occurs the man concerned is challenged and told the reasons. and is asked if he has anything to say upon the subject.

Mrs. Jeger

Does the Minister recall a recent case concerning a constituent of mine? The only reason which he was given was that he had been in the Communist Party for six months when he was 16 years old. Is this a sufficient reason for discharging a Regular soldier?

Mr. Head

This is an extremely delicate matter. It is possible to give certain information, but some cannot be given because of the danger of compromising the sources from which it was obtained. We always aim to make it quite clear in these charges that it is because of something like Communist or Fascist sympathies that this has happened.

Mr. Ede

What character is such a man given on his discharge certificate?

Mr. Head

I should require notice of that question.