§ 47. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Prime Minister how it is proposed to reconcile the Ministry of Labour's scheme for demobilisation of serving men and women according to a plan based on the employment situation at home with the War Office intention to grant release according to length of service and other personal conditions; and whether the Air Ministry and Admiralty have intimated similar intentions regarding the release of men and women in their Services?
§ Mr. AttleeMy hon. Friend is under a misapprehension in thinking that there are different schemes which need to be reconciled. It has already been stated on behalf of the Government that, subject to 366 military needs, it is proposed that demobilisation from all three Services should be based in the main on a combination of age and length of service. It is recognised that provision may have to be made for the early release of special priority individuals or groups, but such releases must be kept within limits not endangering the main scheme.
Mr. StewartIs not my right hon. Friend aware of the recent speech of the Minister of Labour, who not unnaturally urged that demobilisation must be related to the employment situation at home? Have not the conflicting statements of two Ministers caused much confusion in the country?
§ Mr. AttleeI do not think so.