HC Deb 12 December 1956 vol 562 cc415-6
20. Mr. Allaun

asked the Minister of Defence what his estimate is of the approximate total annual saving the country would achieve in Services pay, equipment, armaments and other expenditure by the ending of National Service.

Mr. Birch

I have been asked to reply.

The answer would depend upon the size of the Regular forces to be maintained. This in turn would depend on the commitments which they had to carry out and on the success of Regular recruiting.

Mr. Allaun

Would the Minister agree that, in addition to this undisclosed but obviously tremendous expenditure, the output of 280,000 National Service men worth roughly £140 million a year is being lost to British Industry, and can the country in its present state afford this loss of manpower?

Mr. Birch

That question raises some very wide issues which I can hardy discuss in answer to a Question, but, of course, we are all aware that it costs the country money to have men in the Services.

21. Mr. Allaun

asked the Minister of Defence whether, in view of the country's economic and industrial position following the armed conflict in Eypt, and for other reasons, he will reconsider his refusal to end National Service in December, 1958.

Mr. Birch

I have been asked to reply.

No, Sir.

Mr. Allaun

Is it not clear that defence expenditure in general and conscription in particular is the one thing which our country could cut at present without causing suffering, indeed with widespread rejoicing instead, and will the Government raise this matter at N.A.T.O. this week, particularly as several countries are cutting their call-up unilaterally?

Mr. Birch

Obviously we would be better off if we had no call-up. No one is denying that. The Government would be much more popular if they made an end of it. We keep it on because we feel it is our duty to do so.

Mr. P. Williams

Is my right hon. Friend aware that some of us think that if this country is worth living in it is worth defending?

Mr. G. Brown

While subscribing whole-heartedly to the view which has just been expressed, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether his announcement that he will not reconsider the Government's policy on National Service means that this essential question is ruled out of the wide review of defence policy which the Chancellor said we were to have?

Mr. Birch

The Question asks whether the Government will end it by December, 1958. Obviously the question of National Service is always under consideration.

Mr. Brown

The Question actually reads: … whether … he will reconsider his refusal to end National Service … That is the policy issue. The date is not the policy. The policy is to reconsider the refusal to end National Service. Will the Secretary of State stop being clever? [HON. MEMBERS "Oh."] I will amend that; I mean, will he stop trying to be clever? Is this policy statement to be reconsidered in the wide review, or is it not?

Mr. Birch

I have answered the question relating to the date. Of course, the whole policy of National Service is frequently considered.