§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what checks are made upon those who subsequently join fascist organisations after enlistment to the Territorial Army; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NeubertWhilst not wishing to generalise, any case of a volunteer admitting to membership (or being revealed as a member) of a fascist organisation would need to be investigated on its individual merits. I can assure the hon. Member that any such investigation would be carried out in the most thorough manner possible. Should it eventually be decided that the volunteer in question may continue in service, his, or her, performance will be subjected to the strictest scrutiny and supervision.
§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how frequently medical examinations are carried out on all Territorial Army members with access to weapons; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NeubertIn addition to undergoing pre-enlistment medical examinations, all members of the Territorial Army are subjected to further examinations within eight weeks of the following birthdays: 30, 35, 40, 43, 46, 48 and 50. Those volunteers continuing in service beyond age 50 must undergo annual checks.