HC Deb 15 December 1948 vol 459 c1211
49. Mr. Chetwynd

asked the Minister of Defence whether men called up in 1947 for a fixed term of two years or less who, because of deferment serve for more than two years, will be entitled to an issue of clothing on demobilisation instead of clothing coupons.

Mr. Alexander

No, Sir.

Mr. Chetwynd

Would my right hon. Friend think it right to compensate these people for the extra three months' service they are giving by providing them with the same facilities as people who are serving only two years?

Mr. Alexander

No, Sir. This condition was announced a considerable time ago for all men who enlisted under the National Service Act after 1st January, 1947, and it is not possible on the grounds of expense and the setting up of new administration to go back on that principle and apply to these people the same conditions as were given to those who served long periods during the war and were given special benefits.