HC Deb 22 June 1943 vol 390 c999
53. Captain Gammans

asked the Minister without Portfolio whether the plans of demobilisation of the Armed Forces, after the war, will be based on the principle that priority of demobilisation will be given to men who have served the longest overseas?

The Minister without Portfolio (Sir William Jowitt)

As I stated in this House on 1st December last, the Government's plans for demobilisation are based in the main on the broad principle of discharge according to age and length of service, but, in accordance with the undertaking I gave on 22nd April, further consideration is being given to the suggestion that in applying this principle special weight should be given to service overseas.

Sir F. Fremantle

Does my right hon. and learned Friend recognise also that there will be many cases in which the needs of the civil population will require others to be demobilised than those in these two categories?

Sir W. Jowitt

I agree, and, of course, that has to be borne in mind.