HC Deb 20 December 1955 vol 547 cc282-3W
61. Mr. Hunter

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the parents of the boys, aged 16 years, serving in the 1st Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment in Cyprus, were informed that their sons were being sent to an active-service area.

64. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will order the return to the United Kingdom of all boy soldiers serving in Cyprus.

Mr. Head

Band-boys and drummer-boys when they reach me age of 16 are eligible to serve abroad provided that the climate is suitable, that adequate arrangements can be made for their education, welfare and musical training and that they can be propertly supervised. These conditions are met in Cyprus, and the boys do not take part in operations.

The rules governing service by band-boys and drummer-boys are made known on enlistment, and it is left to the boys themselves to inform their parents when they go abroad.

62. Mr. G. Jeger

asked the Secretary of State for War how many boys under the age of 18 years are serving in Cyprus.

Mr. Head

21 band and drummer-boys.

63. Mr. G. Jeger

asked the Secretary of State for War how many boys of 16 years of age are serving in Cyprus; and how long they have been there.

Mr. Head

10 band and drummer-boys who have been there about two months.