HC Deb 01 June 1954 vol 528 cc1056-7
5. Miss Bacon

asked the Minister of Labour if he will now give an assurance that young men who defer their National Service are not allowed to continue such deferment until they are beyond the age at which they are liable for National Service.

Mr. Watkinson

Yes, Sir, except in the case of coalminers, seamen, certain agricultural workers, and a few scientific research workers.

Miss Bacon

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are considerable misgivings about this matter in the country, and that there is a feeling that some young men manage to avoid National Service by being deferred until they reach the age of 26 years, and that instances of this have been sent to him? Can he give a definite assurance that his Department sees that everybody is called up before the age of 26 except those engaged in the occupations which he has mentioned?

Mr. Watkinson

I will certainly see that that happens as far as it lies within our power, but if the man is outside this country we have no power over him so long as he remains outside. I remind the hon. Lady that my right hon. and learned Friend said in the House recently that he would keep in mind the possibility of extending the age of liability in those cases, should the opportunity occur.

Mr. Shinwell

In order to remove any misunderstanding on this subject, can the hon. Gentleman say how many men are in this category of having reached the age limit without being called up and are permanently deferred in consequence?

Mr. Watkinson

Not without notice.

Mr. Shinwell

Surely the hon. Gentleman must have some knowledge on this subject. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] That is what we on this side of the House expect of him anyhow, if his colleagues do not. Cannot the hon. Gentleman say whether there are many or just a few?

Mr. Watkinson

I hope that I have a great deal of knowledge, but that is a different Question.

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