HC Deb 24 January 1951 vol 483 cc137-8
51. Mr. Profumo

asked the Minister of Defence whether, in view of the retention of certain categories of regular Service men for the indefinite period of the present emergency, he will amend the regulations which require married members of the Forces to have a minimum of 12 months still to serve in order to qualify their wives to join them in Germany.

Mr. Strachey

Such a concession would have to apply to all overseas theatres, and I regret that the shortage of shipping accommodation and, in some areas, of living accommodation makes it impracticable.

Mr. Profumo

Is the Minister aware that there are many fit men who now find themselves ineligible, because, on paper, they are due to come back within 12 months but may go on serving overseas for the duration of a very lengthy crisis? Would the Minister of Defence take action which will rectify this injustice, and either bring these men home earlier or allow their wives to join them?

Mr. Strachey

I quite agree that a serious consideration arises here and that we will have to deal with it, but the hon. Member should await the announcement about the duration of this whole scheme.

53. Mr. Chetwynd

asked the Minister of Defence when the present embargo on the discharge of regular personnel of His Majesty's Forces will be raised.

49. Mr. A. R. W. Low

asked the Minister of Defence whether he will now make a statement on the length of time during which reservists recently recalled to the Colours will be required to serve with the Colours; and the time during which Regular members of the Forces whose engagements have expired will be retained with the Colours.

54. Lieut.-Commander Hutchison

asked the Minister of Defence if he will make a statement regarding the length of time Reservists, and men compulsorily retained in the Forces on expiration of their normal period of service, will be required to serve.

59. Mr. Alport

asked the Minister of Defence whether he will consider setting a definite limit to the length of time a member of His Majesty's Forces will be required to serve after having completed both Colour and Reserve service.

Mr. Strachey

A statement on the Government's defence programme will be made next week. I anticipate that it will be possible to answer these Questions in that statement.