HC Deb 02 November 1954 vol 532 cc194-5
26. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for War to what extent the withdrawal of troops from Trieste and Egypt has so eased our commitments as to enable consideration to be given to the reduction of military service so far as the Army is concerned.

Mr. Head

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a Question by the right hon. Member for Bassetlaw (Mr. Bellenger) on 26th October.

Mr. Sorensen

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that the restriction of commitments should lead in time to a reduction in the length of military service?

Mr. Head

Yes, if that went a great deal further. As I explained in my earlier answer, however, the present deployment will enable us to build up something of a strategic reserve and also partly to counterbalance the present run-down of the Army manpower.