HC Deb 27 November 1947 vol 444 c2110
48. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Labour if he will now estimate the numbers of persons to be called up for Military-Service in the first six months of 1948.

Mr. Isaacs

I estimate that the number will be about 75,000.

49. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement on the recent change in procedure for registration under the National Service Acts.

Mr. Isaacs

It has been the practice in recent years to register a quarter of an age group in March, June, September and December of each year. Next year the March registration will be omitted. The result will be that in 1948 men will be required to register three months later than has been customary; this will assist the Services by retarding the flow of new entrants who have to be trained at a time when releases are being accelerated, and will give industry an extra three months' service from the men concerned before they are called up.

Mr. Quintin Hogg

Will the right hon. Gentleman state what the effect of these registrations will be upon the education of those who are compelled to register whose education is not complete?

Mr. Isaacs

It is difficult to state what wil be the effect. They either go on with their education and continue to be educated, or they stop, and do not continue to be.

Mr. S. Silverman

Having regard to the desperate need for labour in our present economic difficulties, would my right hon. Friend consider the advisability of not proceeding with these registrations at all until we can afford the manpower involved?

Mr. Isaacs

We are bound to carry out the Regulations laid upon us by Parliament, but we have made this variation because we think it will be of help in all directions.