HC Deb 18 October 1950 vol 478 cc2041-2
45. Brigadier Clarke

asked the Minister of Defence if he will give some indication to Service personnel, who have had their demobilisation date postponed, when they may expect to be released.

The Minister of Defence (Mr. Shinwell)

I regret that I am not yet able to make any statement.

Brigadier Clarke

Is the Minister not aware that it was because of patriotism that these men extended their service, and that they are now greatly concerned as to when they will be let out of the Army and Navy? Is it because of lack of foresight that they are now held in the Army, and that we would have had a sufficiently large Army had it not been for what happened in the past?

Mr. Shinwell

The hon. and gallant Gentleman should be well aware that it is entirely due to the international situation.