HC Deb 27 January 1953 vol 510 c842
47. Mr. Langford-Holt

asked the Minister of Labour the factors that govern the granting of exemption for National Service other than health and conscience grounds.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Harold Watkinson)

The only classes of men not liable for National Service are those set out in the First Schedule to the National Service Act, 1948. As regards the principles which govern the granting of deferment of call-up, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. and learned Friend to the hon. Member for Westhoughton (Mr. J. T. Price) on 16th October last.

Mr. Langford-Holt

Will my hon. Friend not agree that it is wasteful both of money and manpower to call up persons whom we have no intention shall serve in the Armed Forces in the unfortunate event of armed hostilities taking place?

Mr. Watkinson

I think that question arises from a common misconception of the purpose of the National Service Act, which is to enable our commitments under N.A.T.O. and other arrangements to be fulfilled. These men are required for immediate service, not primarily for training for some future emergency.