HC Deb 16 April 1946 vol 421 cc2508-12
60. Mr. James Callaģhan

asked the Minister of Labour if he is now in a position to announce a further programme of releases from the Forces beyond June next.

Mr. Isaacs

With my hon. Friend's permission, I will circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT. Under the provisional programme the estimated num- ber of men and women to be released and discharged in the third quarter of this year will be 532,400 bringing the cumulative total since 18th June, 1945, up to 3,988,000. I am asked by the Service Ministers to make it clear that although as far as possible men and women will be released in accordance with this provisional programme, compulsory deferment of release of a number of individuals will continue to be necessary, and, as in the past, there will be some inequality in the rate of release for certain branches, categories and trades of the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.

RELEASES AND DISCHARGES FROM THE FORCES
Provisional Programme—July to September, 1946.
PERIOD. MEN. WOMEN
Age and Service Groups(Class A releases). Estimated Number of Releases and Discharges. Age and Service Groups(Class A releases). Estimated Number of Releases and Discharges
Mr. Collaģhan

Can my right hon. Friend say what is the highest group reached in his programme in all three Services?

Mr. Isaacs

It is all set out in the statement which I am circulating. I will be obliged if my hon. Friend will refer to that.

Major Cecil Poole

Will my right hon. Friend tell us up to what period he is referring in his answer?

Mr. Isaacs

Up to the end of September.

Following is the statement:

NURSING SERVICES.
Period NAVY ARMY. R.A.F
Age and Service Groups(Class A Releases) Estimated Number of Releases and Discharges. Nursing Officers V.A.D.s.
Age and Service Groups (Class A) Estimated Number of Releases and Discharges Age and Service Groups (Class A) Estimated Number of Releases and Discharges
(Average) R.A.F estimate not yet completed. It will be issued by the Air Ministry as soon as possible.
Nursing Sisters and V.A.D. Officers V.A.D.s
1946.
July 46 52 and 53 145 Pt. 43 108 50 90
August 47 54 145 Pt. 43-Pt. 44 95 51 70
September 48 55 145 Remainder 44 102 Pt. 52 50
46–48 52–55 435 43 and 44 305 50-Pt. 52 210 —