HC Deb 04 April 1951 vol 486 cc202-3
46. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Defence the guiding and underlying principles leading to the recall of Class Z and Class G reservists over 40 years of age who are in possession of no specialist qualifications or experience resulting from former service in His Majesty's Forces.

The Minister of Defence (Mr. Shinwell)

These reservists are being recalled for specific tasks in balanced units, and although they may not all possess specialist qualifications it is nonetheless essential for them to be recalled if the unit is to obtain the maximum benefit from its training programme.

Mr. Nabarro

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that in those circumstances it is necessary to call up men of 43 and 44 years of age who have had no previous specialist qualifications and who were demobilised before 1946, having served only as clerks or drivers? Are not younger men available for those jobs?

Mr. Shinwell

In response to the hon. Gentleman's request I have tried to state the general principle. If he has any specific cases in mind, I suggest that he might refer them to the Secretary of State for War or the Secretary of State for Air.

Sir R. Acland

Is there not in effective operation a system of calling up a cross-section of all reservists, which is considerably different from the expressed practice in the "Quiz," which talks about a call up on the general principle of "Last out, first in"?

Mr. Shinwell

I am not quite clear what my hon. Friend wants me to say.

Sir R. Acland

In view of the divergence, will my right hon. Friend consider this matter again?

Mr. Nabarro

The right hon. Gentleman referred to specific cases. Is he aware that hundreds of men of 44 years of age have written to me and to other hon. Members complaining that they cannot fit into any of the categories to which the right hon. Gentleman refers?

Mr. Shinwell

It may be that some men who have been recalled feel that they are not easily dovetailed into special categories, but the War Office and the Air Ministry may hold a different view.

Mr. Harrison

Does my right hon. Friend agree that, although a lot of these men have no specialist qualifications, they must have special experience before they are called up?

Mr. Shinwell

I should imagine that most men who served during the last war have some special experience.

47. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Defence whether reservists will be unconditionally discharged from all further reserve liability with His Majesty's Forces on attaining the age of 45 years.

Mr. Shinwell

If the hon. Member is referring to Class Z and Class G reservists the answer is "No," but men over 45 years of age have not been recalled.

Mr. Nabarro

Does that reply mean that a Z reservist retains the liability for recall until he reaches the age group of Methuselah or until he goes to his Maker, whichever is the earlier?

Mr. Shinwell

There is the liability to recall while the emergency lasts.

Mr. Nabarro

At any age?

Mr. Shinwell

I should imagine that the War Office, the Admiralty or the Air Ministry would not call up a man if they regarded him as too old.

Mr. Nabarro

When does the liability end?