§ 47. Mr. Austinasked the Minister of Defence to what extent his regulations oblige deserters after apprehension and service of sentence of imprisonment, to fulfil their remaining Service obligations, in accordance with normal age and service conditions.
§ Mr. AlexanderTime spent in desertion and periods of consequential imprisonment or detention do not count as service for release purposes. In August last we decided that in the case of non-Regulars service previous to desertion and service subsequent to detention or imprisonment including service under suspended sentence should count in full. This change placed National Service men serving under the earlier Acts in the same position in this respect as those to whom the First Schedule of the National Service Act, 1947, will apply.
§ Mr. AustinDoes that mean that after serving a sentence of imprisonment, if a man has another three or four years' service to complete, he will be required to fulfil that obligation?
§ Mr. AlexanderI think he will be required to fulfil his obligation. In the case of National Service men called up 380 during the last three or four years, subject to the period of detention or desertion, they are subject to the same rate of scale-off as the others who have been scaled off.
§ 48. Mr. Austinasked the Minister of Defence whether, with a view to obtaining a greater volume of surrenders by deserters, he will consider reforms whereby sentences of imprisonment be suspended subject to the good behaviour in accordance with Service obligations of the individuals concerned, such suspension to be translated into complete remission at the end of fulfilment of satisfactory Service obligations.
§ Mr. AlexanderSentences of imprisonment or detention for desertion are reviewed periodically and are frequently suspended after only part has been served. I could not agree to any general rule of suspension in such cases. I have already stated to the House the general objections to further leniency and it will be recognised that punishment must vary according to the seriousness of the offence.
§ Mr. AustinIs my right hon. Friend aware that his present policy is inconclusive and harsh and is not getting the desired results? Is he further aware that there were 17,500 deserters in March and 381 21,000 deserters in October, and that many of these men will be deserters and on the run at the age of 80 or 90 when they die?
§ Mr. AlexanderI must resist the charge that we are being harsh in this matter. A very generous offer was made at the beginning of the year, and several thousand men took advantage of that leniency. All the men had that opportunity. I really must resist any attempt to weaken the general morale and discipline of the Forces.
§ Mr. KeenanDoes my right hon. Friend consider that any useful purpose is served by hon. Members ventilating their opinions on this question, in view of the position as it is now disclosed?
§ Mr. AlexanderHon. Members have a perfect right to ventilate their opinions, but responsible Ministers must take into account the advice of those who have to deal with this matter.
§ Mr. Leslie HaleWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the presence of 20,000 deserters in this country is resulting in an increase in crime, difficulty in carrying out regulations and a diminution in production, and that considerations of high public policy make it very desirable that an amnesty should be offered?
§ Mr. AlexanderI do not consider that the facts justify my hon. Friend's suggestion. I understand the matter is to be raised on the Adjournment on Monday.