HC Deb 18 April 1946 vol 421 cc2886-7
53. Mr. James Callaģhan

asked the Minister of Labour if he will state the numbers released from the Forces, to the latest available date.

Mr. Ness Edwards

Yes, Sir. I will with permission circulate a full statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The releases reported during March amounted to 370,450. The total number of men and women released and discharged from 18th June, 1945, to the end of March, 1946, was 2,691,760

Mr. Callaģhan

Can my hon. Friend say whether we have overtaken the deficiency below the target which existed at the end of February?

Mr. Edwards

I am very pleased to reply to that question. We have exceeded the target.

Following is the statement:

2. Analysis of Releases and Discharges 18th June, 1945 to 31st March, 1946
Service Class A Class B Other Releases and Discharges Total
MEN
Royal Navy … 315,320 12,330 32,060 359,710†
Army … 1,318,210 123,130 138,700 1,580,040
Royal Air Force … 405,480 43,460 33,450 482,390
Total … 2,039,010 178,920 204,210 2,422,140
WOMEN
Royal Navy … 37,540 230 4,340 42,110†
Army … 119,260 2,340 14,650 136,250
Royal Air Force … 79,500 670 11,090 91,260
Total … 236,300 3,240 30,080 269,620
TOTAL—MEN AND WOMEN
Royal Navy … 352,860 12,560 36,400 401,820†
Army … 1,437,470 125,470 153,350 1,716,290
Royal Air Force … 484,980 44,130 44,540 573,650
Total … 2,275,310 182,160‡ 234,290 2,691,760
Back to