§ 8. Mr. Allaunasked the Minister of Defence if he will immediately reduce the period of National Service for those called up between now and 1960.
§ Mr. SandysI would refer the hon. Member to my statement on this subject in yesterday's debate.
§ Mr. AllaunWill 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. SandysI understand the hon. Member's point, but I do not think that I can really add to what I said yesterday.
§ 9. Mr. Allaunasked the Minister of Defence what are his intentions regarding National Service if sufficient Regulars are not recruited by 1960 onwards.
§ Mr. SandysI 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. AllaunIn the meantime, is the Minister aware that any form of selective compulsory recruitment will cause great bitterness?
§ Mr. OsborneThe hon. Member should speak for himself.
§ Mr. SandysThe hon. Member for Salford, East (Mr. Allaun) will not have very long to wait.