§ 12. Mr. George Craddockasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the fact that a large and growing number of men performing National Service are wasting their time after 12 months; and if he will take immediate action to halve the present period of service.
§ Sir W. MoncktonThe answer to both parts of the Question is, "No, Sir."
§ Mr. CraddockIs the Minister aware that a growing number of members of the Forces are of the opinion that having done 12 months' service they are largely wasting their time? I think that this is a matter which ought to be looked into, and that a reduction of military service should take place before long.
§ Mr. ShinwellWhy does the Minister give a negative reply to this Question, in view of the fact that only this week, in reply to a written Question, the Secretary of State for War stated that at a large camp in the North of England 10 per cent. of the National Servicemen were acting as officers' servants?
§ Sir W. MoncktonI have answered the Question to the best of my ability. According to such information as I have, there is not a lot of waste of time after the 12 months. I have some reason to know that myself.
§ Mr. RussellIs it not a fact that a large number of these National Service men are giving valuable service to this country in Korea and Malaya?
§ Sir W. Moncktonindicated assent.
§ Mr. FernyhoughIs the Minister aware that the present Prime Minister and all who sit on the benches opposite talked for six years about setting the people free, and does he not think that so long as there is two years' conscription in this country all that talk of setting the people free was humbug on their part?