§ Mr. MORGAN JONESasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is prepared to issue definite instructions to recruiting agents that 268W youths under the age of 18 must on no account be enlisted in the force without definite proof as to their age and as to the consent of their parents being available regarding their enlistment?
Lieut. - Colonel GUINNESSThe Regulations already state explicitly that youths under the age of 18 are not to he enlisted without the consent of their parents. I gather, however, that the hon. Member suggests that the recruiting officers should be instructed that candidates who appear to be, and who state that they are, 18 years old or over, are nevertheless not to be enlisted without special verification of their age. I am not prepared to give such instructions, which would be unworkable in practice.