HC Deb 19 November 1952 vol 507 cc1855-7
38. Mr. Fenner Brockway

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence if Her Majesty's Government will now reduce the period of National Service.

52. Mr. George Craddock

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence if he will take steps to reduce the period of compulsory service, having regard to the fact the two-year period was introduced subject to early review, and so fall into line with other Western European countries.

Mr. Birch

As I explained in the House on 6th November, the present period of National Service is necessary so long as the tasks to be performed by the Services remain broadly unchanged.

Mr. Brockway

When the time comes to reconsider the period of National Service, will the hon. Gentleman consider whether the change in the character of the arms programme might not also be reflected in the personnel of the Armed Forces?

Mr. Birch

That consideration is, of course, always in mind, but the hon. Gentleman will appreciate that these troops are mostly on cold war commitments where that consideration is not so important.

Mr. Craddock

Will the Minister look very closely into this matter, because the young people who are going to be conscripted ought to be forewarned? I hope something is going to be done to reduce the period of service.

Mr. Birch

I can give no undertaking that steps are contemplated in the immediate future to reduce the period.

Mr. Ian Harvey

Will my hon. Friend take this opportunity of making it very clear that our present military commitments have in no way diminished from the commitments of the last Government, that there is no excuse for any reduction in military vigilance or preparedness, and that it is thoroughly irresponsible for ex-Ministers to suggest that there is any reason why the period of National Service should be reduced?

Mr. Birch

There has certainly been no reduction in commitments since the two-year period was introduced. In fact, there has been a slight increase in the commitments in the Middle East.

Mr. Shinwell

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that his right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and, I believe I am right in saying, his right hon. Friend the Prime Minister have both expressed the view that the danger of war is receding? Has not the time come, therefore, to review the period of military service?

Mr. Birch

Certainly they have both expressed the view that our foreign affairs are in a better state than when the party opposite were in power. The improvement has only come about owing to the increased strength of the Western alliance.

51. Mr. Swingler

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence what proposals will be submitted by Her Majesty's Government to the Council of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation for the purpose of establishing a common policy amongst the powers suporting the Organisation in the matter of the length of compulsory military service.

Mr. Birch

In discussions on the Annual Review, Her Majesty's Government will naturally support the view that the period of national service adopted by the various countries should be adequate to enable them to fulfil their obligations to N.A.T.O. In determining the actual period of service in any particular country account must, of course, be taken of that country's financial and economic position and of its commitments outside N.A.T.O.

Mr. Swingler

How long will the Government tolerate a situation where other N.A.T.O. countries are reducing their period of military service and this country maintains the longest period of compulsory service of any of them? Why is it that the Government are tolerating a situation in which this country bears all the time the heaviest burden?

Mr. Birch

Other countries have two years service. [HON. MEMBERS: "Which countries?"] Greece and Turkey, for instance. Our views are perfectly well-known to the countries in N.A.T.O., and we have supported General Ridgway's contention that the period of service in E.D.C. ought to be two years. We are not likely to encourage our allies to greater efforts by reducing our own.

Mr. Swingler

How many N.A.T.O. countries have reduced the period of service in the last 12 months?

Mr. Birch

I cannot say without notice.