Oral Answers to Questions — National Service. – in the House of Commons at on 14 June 1939.
Lieut-Colonel Sir Arnold Wilson
, Hitchin
asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that all Foreign Office officials have been informed that on reaching the age of 25 they must resign from their Territorial or other National Service units and remain at the full disposal of the Secretary of State, only those under 25 years of age being permitted to volunteer for such service; and how many persons under 25 years of age now in His Majesty's Foreign Office have so volunteered?
Mr R.A. Butler
, Saffron Walden
The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second part six. There is no objection to officers above the age of 25 joining part-time air-raid precautions services, provided they make it clear to the local authorities that the Department has first claim on their services.
Lieut-Colonel Sir Arnold Wilson
, Hitchin
Is it possible for them to become special constables in the London area?
Mr R.A. Butler
, Saffron Walden
I should want notice of that question.
Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
