§ 3. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Labour how many men have been called up for National Service from 1st January, 1952, to the latest date for which figures are available; how this figure compares with that for the same period of 1951; and how many men it is now proposed to call up in 1953.
§ Sir W. MoncktonFrom 1st January to the end of September, 1952, 132,000; the corresponding figure for 1951 was 128,600. How many men will be called up in 1953 depends largely on how many volunteer for regular engagements, but a rough estimate of the number is 150,000.
§ Mr. SwinglerOn the basis of those figures, can the Minister now say whether it is his policy to increase the number of deferments and exemptions or to diminish them?
§ Sir W. MoncktonSo far as these figures go, we are satisfied with the present position in regard to deferment.