§ 55. Mr. Lowasked the Minister of Defence the length of the period during which he intends retaining the services of Regulars whose engagements have expired and Reservists who have been recalled to the colours.
§ Mr. ShinwellNo, Sir. I am not yet able to make any statement.
§ Major Legge-BourkeCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether his decision on this matter is in any way dependent on the announcement of the Minister of Fuel and Power yesterday that coal miners will no longer be called up?
§ Mr. ShinwellIt has nothing to do with that at all. I must take account of the international position.
§ Viscount HinchingbrookeWhat does the right hon. Gentleman mean by that? Is the delay due to the compiling of the necessary figures to reach a decision in the Minister's Department or to the fluidity of the campaign? Are these men to understand that, while the campaign is fluid, there will be no decision?
§ Mr. ShinwellNo, Sir. There is no reason why the men should assume that no decision will be reached, and reached shortly, but while the campaign is fluid it would be unwise to come to a definite decision at this stage.