HC Deb 06 May 1952 vol 500 cc11-2W
55. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that many errors have been made in the notices and letters about call-up for Z Reserve training sent by his Department to Mr. G. V. Hawkins, 132, Lincoln Avenue, Newcastle-under-Lyme; and if he will post-pone further action until he is sure that this is not a case of mistaken identity.

Mr. Head

The original warning notice for training sent to this officer contained some errors. As soon as this was pointed out a corrected warning notice was sent to him. I regret this mistake and can assure the hon. Member that there is no case of mistaken identity.

56. Brigadier Prior-Palmer

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the purpose of the new form, Army D 406 (RO) which a number of Army Z reservists have been receiving from Record Offices.

Mr. Head

Class Z and similar reservists are subject before recall to occupational screening by the Ministry of Labour and National Service. This screening started in August, 1950, and since that time many reservists will have changed their jobs and some will have obtained new qualifications. It has therefore been decided that all these reservists should be re-screened; and that is why this new form, containing a revised questionnaire, is being sent out.

Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for War to what extent, in the selection of Z reservists for call-up, he takes into account Territorial Army service before 1939.

Mr. Head

Voluntary service in the Territorial Army before 1939 affects the selection of reservists in so far as those who served in the voluntary forces before the war benefit from the application of the principle of "last out—first back."