Armed Forces (Nationality Rules)

Oral Answers to Questions — Ministry of Defence – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 16 November 1966.

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Photo of Mr Cranley Onslow Mr Cranley Onslow , Woking 12:00, 16 November 1966

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will review the nationality rules for entry into the Armed Forces.

Photo of Mr Joseph Mallalieu Mr Joseph Mallalieu , Huddersfield East

No, Sir. These rules were reviewed as recently as last year, they can be waived in special circumstances, and I see no present need to review them again.

Photo of Mr Cranley Onslow Mr Cranley Onslow , Woking

As the hon. Gentleman will be aware of at least one case to which I have drawn his attention—concerning the son of a loyal Pole who fought gallantly with the Royal Air Force—would he not agree that if the rules were reworded they would be less offensive and that it could be simply said that, in the case of children of non-British parents, there might be need for a special security investigation?

Photo of Mr Joseph Mallalieu Mr Joseph Mallalieu , Huddersfield East

If I am thinking of the case to which the hon. Gentleman referred, the boy concerned has not applied to join. I wish that he would. I will consider the hon. Gentleman's comments about the wording of the rules.