Armed Forces (Nationality Rules)

HC Deb 16 November 1966 vol 736 c426

30. Mr. Onslow

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will review the nationality rules for entry into the Armed Forces.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

No, Sir. These rules were reviewed as recently as last year, they can be waived in special circumstances, and I see no present need to review them again.

Mr. Onslow

As the hon. Gentleman will be aware of at least one case to which I have drawn his attention—concerning the son of a loyal Pole who fought gallantly with the Royal Air Force—would he not agree that if the rules were reworded they would be less offensive and that it could be simply said that, in the case of children of non-British parents, there might be need for a special security investigation?

Mr. Mallalieu

If I am thinking of the case to which the hon. Gentleman referred, the boy concerned has not applied to join. I wish that he would. I will consider the hon. Gentleman's comments about the wording of the rules.