§ 4. Mr. Kennedyasked the Minister of Labour whether he has any statement to make with regard to the continuance of the Military Training Act?
§ Mr. BevinYes, Sir: The Military Training Act, which was passed in May, 1939, was to remain in force for three years and then expire subject to a provision whereby, upon an Address by each House of Parliament, an Order in Council might be made continuing its operation for a year at a time. On the outbreak of war, it was superseded by the National Service (Armed Forces) Act but was not repealed. The Government have considered whether steps should be taken to prolong the Act for a further period but have decided against this course. The Act would, in any event, be inoperative for the duration of the war and it is scarcely possible now to anticipate the provisions of this nature that will be required after the war. It is therefore proposed to allow the Act to expire on 26th May next and so leave a clear field for the enactment, at a later date, of such legislation as circumstances may show to be desirable.