HC Deb 17 July 1956 vol 556 cc1022-3
23. Mrs. L. Jeger

asked the Secretary of State for war what account he takes of an applicant's political associations when considering applications for enlistment in the Regular Army; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Head

We do not accept for the Regular Army men or women likely to be a security risk.

Mrs. Jeger

Can the Minister say what steps are taken in this matter at the time of enlistment? Is not he aware that soldiers are not usually asked questions of this nature when they enlist? A great deal of time is wasted before discharge takes place. Upon what basis is it decided that these people are security risks?

Mr. Head

I think that the hon. Lady would agree that it would be extremely difficult to screen all the applicants for Regular service. The question whether each man should be challenged upon joining, and asked whether or not he is a Communist, is a difficult matter, and I do not think that it would disclose all those who were. It is when people are engaged in secret or confidential work that they are screened, and that is when this fact very often comes to light.

Mr. Paget

If, nowadays, one can get out of the Army by saying that one is a Communist, is not discharge by purchase a somewhat unnecessary facility?

Mr. Head

We have had no experience of the use of Communism in that way.

Mr. Ede

Do not be too sure.