7. Mr. J. T. Priceasked the Minister of Labour what are the overriding principles and priorities which govern the grant of deferment to young men liable for National Service at 18 years of age.
§ Sir W. MoncktonThe principles are that National Service in peace-time is an obligation to be discharged as nearly as possible by all fit young men, that the man-power needs of the Services must be met, and that, as far as possible, young men should be allowed to finish approved studies or training before call-up if they wish.
Subject to these principles, regard is had to the importance, in the national interest, of obtaining more coal and home-grown food, of an efficient merchant navy, in peace or war, and of expediting the most vital re-armament projects and expanding certain important categories of engineering exports.
Mr. PriceDoes the Minister realise that there is growing disquiet in the country about what many regard as the growing discrimination in favour of certain grades of employment? For instance, it is known to be the easiest thing in the world to register for a correspondence course in accountancy and get almost unlimited deferment, while land is being denuded of essential labour. We on this side think that something ought to be done to redress the balance.
§ Sir W. MoncktonI will look into the first point raised by the hon. Gentleman. So far as denuding the land of essential labour is concerned, I feel it is important 365 that there should be a generally undertaken obligation, and that there should not be wholesale exclusions of people who are at present liable.
§ Sir R. GlynIs special consideration being given to apprentices, especially apprentices in vital industries in rearmament?
§ Sir W. MoncktonYes, Sir. As the matter stands at present, in the case of highly skilled apprentices in high priority establishments special consideration has been granted in accordance with the last announcement I made before the Recess.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs it not true that these deferments have been primarily concerned with the re-armament programme; and in view of the Prime Minister's recent statements, in this House and elsewhere, that at the present time exports should take precedence over defence requirements, why is it necessary to provide deferment for those in the re-armament industry and not for those in the export industry?
§ Sir W. MoncktonIn the last announcement we made we did say that in the export industry some highly skilled people in priority establishments would be taken into account. I will certainly look at it again, in view of what the right hon. Gentleman says.
8. Mr. J. T. Priceasked the Minister of Labour the maximum period of deferment granted to National Service men for professional studies, industrial apprenticeships and agricultural employment, respectively.
§ Sir W. MoncktonSubject to satisfactory progress, deferment is granted for professional studies for the period necessary to obtain the desired qualification, and for industrial apprenticeships, until the completion of the recognised period of training, provided, in either case, this will be before the man reaches the upper age limit of liability for call up.
Deferment in respect of employment in agriculture is granted in appropriate cases for a maximum of six or 12 months in the first instance, and may be renewed if the relevant conditions remain satisfied.
Mr. PriceCan the Minister say what happens to a sluggish student who is granted limited deferment and reaches the 366 upper age limit without qualifying in the course on which he has embarked? Is he still liable to service at that age?
§ Sir W. MoncktonOh, yes. A student is not deferred indefinitely without consideration of what he is doing, and he will be called up before his period runs out in any event.
§ Mr. ShinwellWould it not be more advisable and in the best interests of the country, of the Services and of industry if, instead of providing this temporary deferment, which is of no value to anybody really, the men who are deferred were invited to enter the Territorial or Auxiliary Forces; and would the Minister recommend to his right hon. Friends associated with the Services the payment of a higher bounty to attract those men?
§ Sir W. MoncktonI think that goes rather far for me to answer. I am not wishing to add to the burdens I carry. So far as deferments not being desired by people is concerned, all I can say is that a great deal of my time is taken up in explaining why particular deferments cannot be granted.