HC Deb 11 May 1948 vol 450 cc1952-3
39. Mr. Beswick

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give the average time between dates of registration and medical examination of National Service entrants, and the date at which they are finally called-up; and what steps he is taking to reduce this waiting time to a minimum.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Ness Edwards)

The interval between the dates of registration and medical examination necessarily varies so widely that an average period has no significance. In a straightforward case, however, call-up normally follows about six weeks after medical examination. For the reasons explained in my letter to my hon. Friend, I am afraid that it is not practicable to reduce this period.

Mr. Beswick

While I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his letter, which has been received, giving 3½ pages of difficulty which I appreciate, may I ask him whether he does not also appreciate that in some cases there is a delay of up to three months and more, which means an effective dislocation of the boy's life for something over 15 months, and will he see what he can do in conjunction with his right hon. Friend?

Mr. Ness Edwards

Those difficulties normally arise in cases of boys leaving college or university. In their case, they can be called up almost immediately by individual application to the Ministry of Labour and no delay, therefore, occurs in their cases. In other cases, delay does not matter so much as they can just as well continue with their work.

Mr. Chetwynd

Is it not a fact that these people who apply for their call-up to be expedited so that they can go to a university in October, 1949, must be accepted by the university first?

Mr. Ness Edwards

I was referring to those who had already done their university training under the scheme. By special arrangement they can be called up immediately.

Mr. Beswick

Will the Minister ensure that these people are aware of the fact that they can ask for speedy call-up by making such an application?

Mr. Ness Edwards

I hope this Question and answer will give the necessary publicity.

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