§ 10. Mr. William Priceasked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will review the regulations governing the entry into the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy of men and women whose parents were born in Communist countries.
§ Lord BalnielThe current rules on nationality for the Forces were introduced in September, 1965, after very careful consideration, and I see no need for a further review now.
§ Mr. PriceWill the right hon. Gentleman say what advice I can give to two young brothers in my constituency who have been refused commissions in the Royal Air Force because their father was born in Moscow? Is this not strange, as the father himself spent 22 years 133 days in the British Air Force, much of that time on secret work? Is that not an incredible situation which ought to be put right without delay?
§ Lord BalnielThe hon. Gentleman knows the regulations, but I can assure him that the Secretary of State for Defence has power to waive regulations in suitable cases, and, indeed, does so. If the hon. Gentleman has an individual case which he would like to call to my attention, I will consider it very carefully.