HC Deb 31 January 1951 vol 483 cc897-900
55. Mr. Osborne

asked the Minister of Defence if he will take immediate steps to give protection to all Class Z Reservists who may be called up, similar to the case, details of which have been sent to him, where hire-purchase liabilities are still outstanding and cannot be met out of Service pay.

Mr. A. Henderson

Class Z Reservists are to be called up for 15 days only. They will receive regular rates of pay and allowances, together with a bounty of £4, and it is not considered that special steps are necessary to deal with civil liabilities such as hire-purchase, etc. Men who wish to appeal against call-up on compassionate or other grounds will have an opportunity to do so.

Mr. Osborne

Surely the Government cannot guarantee that 15 days will be the longest period for which Class Z Reservists will be called up, and in case they are called up for longer periods would not the Minister safeguard their homes and the little businesses they have acquired?

Mr. Henderson

I should have thought it would be far better to take the cases on the basis that where there are compassionate grounds appropriate action will be taken.

Captain Ryder

In view of the fact that some Service men will be called up for considerably longer periods, will the Minister hear in mind that this represents a very serious hardship for certain persons?

Mr. Henderson

Yes, but I should make clear that the bulk of these Reservists are called for only 15 days.

Captain Ryder

I am asking for consideration of the cases of those who will be called up for a longer period.

58. Commander Maitland

asked the Minister of Defence in what manner and on what date the information that a proportion of the Class Z Reserve would probably be called up was officially conveyed to the Press.

Mr. A. Henderson

The only official statement to the Press was issued on 29th December by the Ministry of Defence. This read as follows: Reports published today giving details of the calling up of Z Class Reservists are incorrect. For some time, various proposals for the re-training of reservists have been under consideration. No decisions, however, have as yet been taken. This was the line taken by the Ministry's information officers in replying to all subsequent inquiries. No corroboration was offered to any of the numerous reports purporting to give details of the proposals then under consideration.

Commander Maitland

Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman not realise that many newspapers have referred to these reports as officially inspired—for example, the current issue of "The Economist"? Does he not agree that however it was that this whole question leaked out it was one of the most disgraceful acts of non-leadership of which this Government has ever been guilty?

Mr. Henderson

I think the hon. and gallant Member is using very exaggerated language, in view of the statement I have made. We ale not responsible for unauthorised statements that appear in newspapers, and I have already indicated to the House that the first statement that appeared in the newspapers was prior to any information having been given by anyone in the Ministry of Defence.

Earl Winterton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Lord President of the Council last week, in reply to a question, by inference seemed to suggest there had been a leakage by a civil servant? Can he assure the House that no such leakage took place?

Mr. Henderson

I should like to see what the Lord President said before I comment.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Would not my right hon. and learned Friend make the necessary investigation to find out how and when this highly confidential information was first unofficially communicated to the Press?

Mr. Henderson

We would very much like to know, but it is not easy to find out.

Mr. Peter Thorneycroft

Is the Minister aware of the obviously inspired statement in "The Star" newspaper that the Cabinet took the demands of the Service Ministries and then halved them?

Mr. Henderson

I hope the hon. Gentleman will not ask me to explain every statement that appears in the newspapers.

Mr. George Thomas

Since this information reached the Press, obviously from a very small circle who knew it was being discussed, would my right hon. and learned Friend consider advising the appointment of a Select Committee, with power to send for persons and papers?

Mr. Henderson

I can only say that the statement which first appeared in a Sunday newspaper was so largely inaccurate that there is some doubt whether it could have come from an authorised source.

Sir H. Williams

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask the Minister of Labour why he was so offensive to the newspapers last week with regard to comments on something which has been the subject of discussion for over a month?