§ 77. Sir A. Knoxasked the Lord Privy Seal how many men and women have volunteered for civilian defence since the issue of the national service booklet?
§ Captain DugdaleI have been asked to reply. I would refer my hon. and gallant 910 Friend to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal gave to my hon. Friend the Member for North Norfolk (Sir T. Cook) on 23rd February, a copy of which is being sent to him.
§ 78. Sir A. Knoxasked the Lord Privy Seal whether he can give an estimate of the number of men between the ages of 18 and 30 who will remain after all the men necessary for civilian defence have been obtained and all men in key industries have been deducted?
§ Captain DugdaleI have been asked to reply. It is estimated that the number of men between 18 and 30 is approximately 4,500,000, of whom some 2,200,000 are in reserved occupations, leaving 2,300,000 not so reserved. As against that figure, the number of men required for whole-time service in connection with civil defence is not likely to exceed 550,000, and a very large proportion of these will be drawn from the age groups of men over 30. It will be under stood that the men in reserved occupations are available for recruitment or enrolment for whole-time service in war in any defence force in their trade capacity, and are also available for part-time service in connection with civil defence.
§ Sir A. KnoxCan my hon. and gallant Friend form any estimate of the number of men that will be left to do the fighting?
§ Mr. CrossleyAre not the age limits for some of the reserved occupations much too low?
§ Captain DugdaleThat question, also, will no doubt be dealt with in the Debate this week.