HC Deb 02 December 1952 vol 508 cc1267-9
25. Mr. Oliver

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will arrange for men called up under the Z scheme and deferred on account of being a self-employed person or one of a two-person partnership to be given exemption in order to remove the consequent loss occasioned by the uncertainty of a later call-up.

Mr. Head

Although a man's business circumstances may justify his being excused training in one year, exemption in a later year must depend on his circumstances at that time.

29. Mr J. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for War how many ex-Far Eastern prisoners of war were called up for Z Reserve training to the last convenient date; and what proportion of these were found unfit for service.

Mr. Head

I cannot add to my reply to the hon. Member's Question on this subject on 21st October this year.

Mr. Johnson

Is the Minister aware of the dissatisfaction which was found in the past about the composition of the medical boards which examine these men upon call-up? If we are ever in the unhappy position of having to call up former prisoners of war in the Far East, will he see that the Army medical boards include doctors who are specialists in tropical diseases, as I believe is the case in Australia and New Zealand?

Mr. Head

I have been in touch with my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Labour about this, and I understand that they take considerable trouble to see that the fact that men have been prisoners of war is marked on their cards, and special inquiries are made about the effect of that imprisonment on their health.

32. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Secretary of State for War why he has decided to suspend the call-up of Class Z Reserve in 1953; and whether it is now proposed to abandon the scheme.

Mr. Head

As I explained when I announced this decision last Tuesday, this training during the past two years has enabled us to bring men together in most of the units which will be needed in the early stages of mobilisation and to tide over the period while the Territorial Army was building up its strength. Whether or not there will be training in a later year will depend on the situation at that time.

Mr. Shinwell

Does this mean that the Reserve position is very much more satisfactory than it was?

Mr. Head

The right hon. Gentleman is correct in thinking that the Reserve position is more satisfactory, but I would add that as far as National Service is concerned the main consideration is not the Reserve position, but the period of full-time service with the active Army.

Mr. Shinwell

Did the right hon. Gentleman note that I never mentioned National Service?

Mr. Head

I did, but I also noted that the right hon. Gentleman has recently stressed the importance of the Reserve in relation to National Service while omitting the importance of full-time service.

Mr. Shinwell

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman would agree to enter into a debate with me on the subject?

Mr. Head

I should very much welcome the opportunity, but not at Question time.