HC Deb 16 March 1943 vol 387 cc1046-7W
Mr. Martin

asked the Secretary of State for War under what condition nationals of countries with which we are at war are allowed to serve in the British Army and in which branches of it?

Sir J. Grigg

At present nationals of countries with which we are at war can enlist only into the Pioneer Corps for service in an alien company. Those with technical qualifications can transfer to the appropriate technical corps provided that there is no security objection, and the bulk of those possessing technical qualifications have been so transferred. As I indicated on 2nd March in a reply to the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. W. Brown), of which I will send my hon. Friend a copy, these arrangements have recently been extended and subject to certain conditions the men in question will be allowed to transfer from the Pioneer Corps to any arm except the Royal Corps of Signals. I am, however, considering the issue of instructions modifying the method of enlistment in order to make it unnecessary for those with qualifications specially needed in the Army to go through the Pioneer Corps.

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