§ 23. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Minister of Labour what percentage of young people who registered for military service in 1953 were subsequently granted exemption from National Service.
§ Mr. WatkinsonThe National Service Acts do not empower my right hon. and learned Friend to grant exemption to any person who is liable under those Acts, but on the assumption that the hon. Member has deferment in mind, I am sending him a copy of the Ministry of Labour Gazette for November, 1953, which contains information relating to the latest count on 12th October, 1953. National Service statistics based on the year of registration are not available.
§ Mr. ThomasI thank the Minister for his helpful reply, but in view of the fact that 30 per cent, of young men of military age do no service because they are covered by the industry in which they serve, does he not think that it is straining the argument that conscription is the fairest way of calling people to the Colours when such a large proportion are never called?
§ Mr. WatkinsonAfter I have sent the hon. Member these figures perhaps he would like to put down a Question. I quite agree that there is a certain amount of misunderstanding about this, and it might be a good thing to get it cleared up.