§ 1. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that national and international developments during the last three months have made obsolete the arrangements of his Department for the deferment of the call-up of men employed in the Merchant Navy, fishing industry, coal mining, agriculture and as police cadets, and for the deferment of call-up of apprentices, learners, pupils and students; and, in view of these developments, if he will now set up an authoritative committee to inquire into all matters relative to call-up arrangements and report to Parliament.
§ The Minister of Labour and National Service (Mr. Iain Macleod)I would refer the hon. and learned Member to my reply to his Question on 6th March last.
§ Mr. HughesBut does not the Minister realise that many changes have taken place since 6th March last, and will he not keep up to date? Does he not realise that the extent of the present call-up and deferment arrangements operate adversely on our productivity, foreign currency and trade generally, and that it is time that they were revised?
§ Mr. MacleodThe most important unknown factor is at what level recruiting will emerge as a result of the increased pay for the Regular Forces. That is a decisive factor in future consideration of the matter, and it is too early yet to say what the level will be.
Commander MaitlandIn view of the mounting importance of the matter, does not my right hon. Friend think that it should be considered by a committee, should not that committee be the Cabinet, and can he assure us that that is being done now?
§ Mr. MacleodYes, indeed. I think that the only point on which the hon. and learned Member for Aberdeen, North (Mr. Hector Hughes) and myself differ is as to what sort of body should look at this. We believe firmly that this is a matter for Cabinet consideration, whereas the hon. and learned Member thinks that an outside body is appropriate.