Oral Answers to Questions — British Army. – in the House of Commons at on 5 December 1939.
Mr Arthur Woodburn
, Clackmannan and Eastern
asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the importance and value of character and experience, he is now prepared to enlist or otherwise use the services of men over the present military age who are passed fit in every way, who are qualified by military training, and have served in past wars, and who are anxious to serve in the present emergency?
Mr Leslie Hore-Belisha
, Plymouth, Devonport
Men are now accepted for enlistment into the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps and Home Defence Battalions up to the age of 50. In addition, officers in charge of records have authority to enlist ex-service men up to the age of 57 for instructional and certain administrative posts such as cooks, clerks, and storemen.
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.
