§ 52. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of his 15 months' previous service with the R.A.F., Mr. J.A. Lovatt, of 19, Kings-mead Avenue, Tolworth, Surbiton, may now be excused further national service.
§ Mr. IsaacsNo, Sir. Mr. Lovatt's service as a boy apprentice in the Royal Air Force, from which he was discharged at his own request, does not exempt him from liability to service under the National Service Acts.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterIs it not the fact that the period of service which this young man has already served is longer than that for which young men are being called up? In view of the fact that the threat of further call-up is preventing him from settling in civil employment, cannot the matter be reconsidered?
§ Mr. IsaacsWe cannot, of course, go outside the Act. There does appear to be some recurrent hardship in this case. Probably, we can meet it and avoid uncertainty by calling this man up very quickly for enrolment and medical examination, so as to ease his worry soon. [Interruption.] Yes, one way or the other—it would ease his worry to know whether he is or is not to be called up. According to my information, he may not be medically fit, so by having a medical examination we could settle the matter quickly.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterWhile appreciating the tone of the reply, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is aware that it is, surely, contrary to the intention of this House in passing the National Service Acts that men should have to perform two periods of national service?
§ Mr. IsaacsI cannot express an opinion upon the intention of the House. The lad joined as an apprentice to learn a trade, although it happened to be in the Service. It is an unfortunate circumstance for him. We shall do the best we can to overcome it, but it is not contrary to the Act of Parliament.