HC Deb 15 March 1951 vol 485 cc190-1W
40. Mr. Driberg

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that an Essex agricultural worker, of whose name and address he has been informed, having been rejected for service in the Royal Navy on the ground that a marked impediment in his speech would prevent him from passing on orders and would tend to retard his advancement, has failed to secure an assisted passage to Australia on the ground that he is lit for National Service; in what respects the requirements in regard to passing on orders are less stringent in the other Services than in the Royal Navy; and if he will re-examine sympathetically, and seek to clarify, this man's position, with a view to enabling him either to serve in the Royal Navy, in accordance with his original ambition, or to obtain an assisted passage to Australia.

Mr. Bevan

Some five years ago this man was rejected when he volunteered for regular service in the Navy. Towards the end of last year he was found fit for call-up for National Service. I see nothing inconsistent in the fact that a man not acceptable for long-term service as a Regular in the Navy, should nevertheless be acceptable as a National Service Service man in some other branch of the Armed Forces. It is not possible to grant an assisted passage to Australia to a man whose call-up is deferred only so long as he remains employed in agriculture.

71. Mr. Ian Harvey

asked the Minister of Labour under what circumstances Mr. A. W. Barber, 13, Ennerdale Avenue, Stanmore, was placed in grade I although he was still suffering from acute nephritis.

Mr. Bevan

I have arranged for a further medical examination of Mr. Barber.

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