§ 45. Mr. Shinwellasked the Prime Minister whether he will appoint a committee to inquire into the operation of 194 the National Service Acts; and whether he will indicate the nature of the committee and the terms of reference.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir; it is the duty of Her Majesty's Government to keep the working and balance of the National Service Acts under constant review in the light of changing circumstances. They could not cast this task upon any committee of inquiry. The second part of the Question does not therefore arise.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs the Prime Minister aware that despite several Departmental inquiries—at any rate so we have been informed—there still remains substantial criticism of the working of the National Service Acts in the Press, in this House and elsewhere? In those circumstances, would it not reassure the public and instil confidence about the working of the Acts if such an inquiry were held? Can the right hon. Gentleman account for the statements which appeared in nearly all newspapers last Friday morning to the effect that the Government intended to hold an inquiry, a statement which appeared to emanate from official sources?
§ The Prime MinisterI have not had the opportunity to study the statements to which the right hon. Gentleman refers, but I am quite sure that they would not in any way alter the general effect of the answer which I have given.
§ Mr. Langford-HoltWould my right hon. Friend consider pointing out to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Easington (Mr. Shinwell) that perhaps this House is the appropriate committee of inquiry and that arrangements might be made through the appropriate channels to carry out such an inquiry?
§ The Prime MinisterIf my memory serves me well, we had a debate on this subject only the other day.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that many on this side of the House would welcome the suggestion made by his hon. Friend the Member for Shrewsbury (Mr. Langford-Holt)?
§ Mr. BellengerIn relation to his first reply, may I ask the Prime Minister whether he recollects in his time the Esher Committee being set up, which caused considerable changes to be brought about in the organisation of the War Office?
§ Mr. BellengerDoes the right hon. Gentleman follow the implication of that? In his first answer the right hon. Gentleman said it was sufficient for Her Majesty's Government to watch this affair and that they did not want any committee. I am giving the right hon. Gentleman this illustration. What does he say about it?
§ The Prime MinisterThis is a really vital matter occupying all our thoughts. I think that it is the duty of Her Majesty's Government, in all branches as far as they are concerned, to study this matter with attention and form an opinion from month to month.
§ Mr. WiggIs the Prime Minister aware that today, for the first time, the Under-secretary of State for Air has informed us that of the 100,000 Royal Air Force reservists only 8,000 have done any training in 1953? Is he aware of the fact that over 90,000 young men are escaping liability whilst the Army are called upon to fulfil theirs and that this is a matter which calls for urgent inquiry?
§ The Prime MinisterThat only shows how important it is for the Government to give constant attention to this matter.
§ Mr. ShinwellDoes the Prime Minister's statement that this matter will be reviewed by the Government from month to month mean that we can put down Questions every month to ascertain the views of the right hon. Gentleman?
§ The Prime MinisterI should never attempt to inflict upon the right hon. Gentleman such limitations upon his curiosity.