§ 2. Mr. G. B. Craddockasked the Minister of Labour why young graduates in science and technicians who choose to 538 enter the scientific branches of the Civil Service thereby secure deferment of National Service until the age of 26, after which they can no longer be legally called up, whereas those who choose to enter non-Government employment in a scientific capacity must first complete 18 months' National Service.
§ Mr. IsaacsThese arrangements do not apply to the scientific Civil Service as a whole, but only to a limited number of posts on work of exceptional urgency and importance.
§ Mr. CraddockIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that on or about 17th February one of his officials visited King's College, London, to explain this position to the senior undergraduates, and that that explanation was very much the same as I have outlined in my Question?
§ Mr. IsaacsI have answered exactly what the hon. Gentleman asked.
§ 4. Mr. Chetwyndasked the Minister of Labour whether he will make membership of the Territorial Services a condition of deferment.
§ Mr. IsaacsNo, Sir. The great majority of young men who are granted deferment will later perform exactly the same National Service as other young men, and I would not feel justified in seeking power to put an additional obligation on them.
§ Mr. ChetwyndIs my right hon. Friend aware that many of these deferred men, when their deferment ceases, are not called up, and that this is causing concern to those who do their National! Service, and then have a period of Territorial Service as well? Will he look into the matter again?
§ Mr. IsaacsI am not aware of that, and I will be glad to look into it if my hon. Friend will send me particulars of cases.