47. Lieut.-Commander Clark Hutchisonasked the Minister of Defence whether he will give an assurance that the Government's decision to reduce the period of fulltime compulsory military service laid down in the National Service Bill from 18 months to 12 months will not entail any men at present serving in the Forces, or about to be called up for service, remaining in the Forces for a longer period than would have been the case had the original term of 18 months been maintained.
§ Mr. AlexanderYes, Sir.
§ Mr. McGovernHas the Minister considered the question of the young lads being called up this year for two years' service, and is there a corresponding reduction proposed by the Government in their service?
§ Mr. AlexanderThe answer I have given is the only one which I can give at the present time.