HC Deb 30 October 1945 vol 415 cc363-4W
Mr. Skeffington

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is now possible to reduce the period of overseas service to three years.

Mr. Lawson

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for North Blackpool (Brigadier Low) on 9th October last.

Major Wyatt

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider instituting a rule that men over the age of 40 will not be posted further afield than the B.A.O.R.

Mr. Lawson

The possibility of introducing such a rule has recently been re-examined, but I have come to the conclusion that it would not be practicable to impose a rigid upper age limit. As I have previously explained to hon. Members, the present system of restricting overseas posting to men who are in the later age and service groups tends, in general, towards the exclusion of the older men. But I realise there may be individual cases of hardship, and where representations to that effect are made, as much leniency as possiblewill be shown when considering them on their merits on compassionate grounds. The fact that the applicant is over 40 years of age will be regarded of itself as a factor in his favour.

Mr. Hogg

asked the Secretary of State for War what delay there is in the repatriation of men qualified for return home under Python scheme in the various theatres.

Mr. Lawson

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for North Blackpool (Brigadier Low) on 9th October last.