HC Deb 17 April 1957 vol 568 cc1899-900
8. Mr. Allaun

asked the Minister of Defence if he will immediately reduce the period of National Service for those called up between now and 1960.

Mr. Sandys

I would refer the hon. Member to my statement on this subject in yesterday's debate.

Mr. Allaun

Will the right hon. Gentleman agree that since he will have more conscripts on his hands than he will want between now and 1960, the only alternative that will avoid unfairness and resentment is to call up fewer men by advancing the age of call-up between now and 1960?

Mr. Sandys

I understand the hon. Member's point, but I do not think that I can really add to what I said yesterday.

9. Mr. Allaun

asked the Minister of Defence what are his intentions regarding National Service if sufficient Regulars are not recruited by 1960 onwards.

Mr. Sandys

I would ask the hon. Member to await the statement which my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service hopes to make in the debate today.

Mr. Allaun

In the meantime, is the Minister aware that any form of selective compulsory recruitment will cause great bitterness?

Mr. Osborne

The hon. Member should speak for himself.

Mr. Sandys

The hon. Member for Salford, East (Mr. Allaun) will not have very long to wait.