Mr. De la Bèreasked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance now that plans for the retention of men in 398W the Services, after the conclusion of hostilities, will not be introduced by means of an Order in Council or under the Defence of the Realm Act, in place of the normal procedure of legislation through the introduction of a Bill, which renders it possible for these matters to be debated by the House of Commons?
§ The Prime MinisterOn the conclusion of hostilities no enactment will be immediately necessary to ensure the continuance in service of members of the Armed Forces then serving. There is a general obligation under existing Statutes to continue in service for the period of the present emergency and that period will not end until its termination is declared by an Order in Council.