HC Deb 24 January 1951 vol 483 cc139-40
55. Mr. C. I. Orr-Ewing

asked the Minister of Defence whether in calling up the Z and equivalent reservists, he will adopt the principle of calling first those reservists with the shortest service; and what arrangements he will make to exempt those reservists working on rearmament projects.

57. Mr. Paget

asked the Minister of Defence whether he will now make a statement with regard to the recall of Class Z reservists.

58. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Minister of Defence if he will make a statement as to the recall to service of Class Z reservists.

60. Mr. Nigel Fisher

asked the Minister of Defence if he will make a statement regarding the recall of Class Z reservists, indicating the numbers required; the conditions, including length and terms of service; and the principles upon which selection will be based.

62. Mr. Hollis

asked the Minister of Defence whether he is yet prepared to make a statement about the proposed call up of members of Z reserve.

63. Mr. Hugh Fraser

asked the Minister of Defence what is the Government's intention as to the calling up of Class Z reservists and the military or other mobilisation of those who wrongfully avoided military service in World War II.

Mr. Strachey

I invite hon. Members to await the statement on the Government's defence programme to be made next week.

Mr. Orr-Ewing

When working out this arrangement would the right hon. Gentleman ensure that a tribunal is set up which may consider, in the national interests, whether it is advisable for a man to be called up or whether he should go on working on the re-armament projects on which he is engaged at present?

Mr. Strachey

All those detailed considerations had better await the comprehensive statement.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that the statement to be made will deal explicitly with the Government's intentions in regard to the Z reservists?

Mr. Strachey

It will deal with the matters mentioned in the Questions.

Mr. Harmar Nicholls

In view of the need to build up an effective Civil Defence force would the Minister consider making a statement whereby the Z reservists aged at least 40 or 37 years would be exempt from call in the first 12 months of hostilities, provided they are members of the Civil Defence service?

Mr. Strachey

The hon. Gentleman had better await the statement.