HC Deb 20 November 1956 vol 560 c1543
36. Mr. Hale

asked the Secretary of State for War what number of Army reservists have been released from emergency service since 2nd August, 1956.

Mr. John Hare

Nine hundred and sixty-six have been released on compassionate grounds and 612 because they were required as key industrial or agricultural workers. In addition, some reservists were found to be medically unfit and were relegated again to the Reserve. The actual number will not be available for some days, but I will write to the hon. Member.

Mr. Hale

I am much obliged for that information. Does that mean that 1,500 have been released because they should not have been called up at all, or that none have been released because the emergency is regarded as at an end?

Mr. Hare

I hope to be able to say something about the future release policy in a statement at the end of Questions.