HC Deb 31 July 1952 vol 504 c1679
26. Mr. Keenan

asked the Minister of Labour what steps his Department takes to call up for National Service those who have been deferred and cease to have any justification for their deferment from National Service.

Mr. Watkinson

All cases in which deferment of call-up has been granted are kept under review. Where it is found that the conditions are no longer satisfied, deferment is terminated, and the man, if medically fit, is called up.

Mr. Keenan

Will the hon. Gentleman give this matter his attention, because I understand that sometimes there is a great delay and that some persons are not called up at all? Does he not agree that those who are deferred on educational and other grounds have no right to any advantage over those who are forced into the Services at 18; and.is he not aware that there are those who send their children abroad to dodge military service?

Mr. Watkinson

I think it right to make it quite plain that my Ministry takes the utmost care to see that the call-up operates fairly and that everybody is brought into it. If the hon. Gentleman has any particular case he wants to bring to my attention I will certainly look at it.

Mr. Keenan

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that his Department is not as active in this matter as he states they are, and will he give this matter his immediate attention?

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