§ 23. Mr. Longdenasked the Secretary of State for War how long young conscripts are expected to be kept in distant stations like East Africa; and how many he intends to bring home for Christmas.
§ Mr. ShinwellNational Service men must continue to be sent to distant stations abroad, so long as the fulfilment of our overseas commitments renders this necessary. Such men are at present liable to serve up to a maximum of about 13 months in the Far East, or 15 months in the Middle East. There can be no question of bringing home National Service men specially for Christmas. On present plans, men called up in the latter part of February, 1948, will be released in time to spend Christmas at their homes.