§ 7. Mr. Lewisasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence to what extent the gradual decline in the number of long-service Regulars of the Army and the Royal Air Force has been arrested since October, 1951; and to what extent this has resulted in saving in excessive dilution and avoiding sending National Service men to the Middle and Far East.
§ Mr. BirchThe success of the new short-service Regular engagements in the Army and R.A.F. has resulted in maintaining the proportion of Regulars to National Service men in these two Services during the past year. It is hoped 1535 that considerable numbers of these men will extend their engagements and thus maintain the proportion of Regulars of long service.
§ Mr. LewisI was waiting for the Minister to answer the last part of the Question. I have not had a reply to that. Could I have it?
§ Mr. BirchAs I indicated in my answer, the proportion is very much the same. The proportion of Regulars in the Air Force in the Far East and Middle East has slightly increased, and much the same applies to the Army.
§ Mr. LewisI should still like an answer to my Question. Does this mean a saving in National Service men in the Middle East and the Far East?
§ Mr. BirchAs I indicated, the proportion of National Service men has been maintained and there is no reason to think that there will be any increase.
§ Mr. LewisThat is the point. Is the Minister aware of the fact that in the Election manifesto of the Tory Party—"Britain Strong and Free"—it was stated that if the Tory Party got back they would be able to make an improvement and stop sending National Service men overseas? Is it not about time the hon. Gentleman did something about it? My question is taken from the Tory Party manifesto.
§ Mr. ChetwyndCould the Parliamentary Secretary say how many of these Regulars have signed on straight from National Service?