§ 13. Mr. George Craddockasked the Minister of Labour if Her Majesty's Government will abolish conscription in 1953 and encourage voluntary service by granting adequate pay and conditions.
§ Sir W. MoncktonWith regard to the first part of the Question I would refer 1596 the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 18th November. The suggestion made in the last part of the Question has already been carried out.
§ Mr. CraddockIs this not a most important matter in view of the fact that National Service legislation comes to an end in 1953, and will the right hon. and learned Gentleman not agree that the Government might give very serious consideration to this matter now?
§ Mr. G. ThomasWill the Minister take an opportunity of giving considerable advance notice of any change, so that the young people may make their arrangements accordingly and industrialists who now complain of the loss of manpower may readjust their plans?
§ Sir W. MoncktonI said on the occasion to which I have drawn attention that I would give notice as early as I could.
§ Mr. ShinwellCannot the right hon. and learned Gentleman say when the review of the National Service Act is to take place? Is he not aware that it has been established that men can be trained in six months and do not require any further training; and does he not also know that when his party were on this side of the House their policy was a six months' period of conscription. recruitment for the Regular Army and increased rates of pay? Why is that not being carried out now?
§ Sir W. MoncktonI think there is no question at all that there is a need for these men until and unless our commitments are reduced. As the matter stands at present, they are required.
§ Mr. ShinwellWhat have commitments to do with it?
§ Sir W. MoncktonIt has to do with the commitments; indeed, it has.