§ Sir A. Wilsonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the rules relating to volunteering for National Service laid down for the staff of His Majesty's Foreign Office have been applied to other Departments; whether they exclude the possibility of men over 25 years of age volunteering to serve as special constables; and whether he will consider the discouraging effect of these regulations upon recruitment in other large civilian offices employing a large proportion of able-bodied young men themselves very anxious to serve?
§ Sir J. SimonAs regards the first part of the question, by hon. and gallant Friend has already been informed in reply-to his question to my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary on the 10th May that the position in this matter must vary somewhat as between Departments, and that no general instructions have been issued to Civil servants. As regards the second part of the question, it is within the discretion of Departments to grant permission to Civil servants to volunteer as Special Constables. This is normally a part-time service and enrolment would accordingly be subject to the proviso of application generally in such cases that the employing Department must reserve first claim on an individual's service in time of war.