HC Deb 27 February 1957 vol 565 cc1204-5
4. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Defence what are his current estimates of the additional number of long-service volunteers required for each of the Services to enable him to abolish conscription.

21. Mr. Lipton

asked the Minister of Defence when he intends to substitute a selective ballot for the present system of call up for National Service.

Mr. Sandys

I propose to deal generally with the question of National Service and voluntary recruitment in the forthcoming White Paper on Defence.

Mr. Lipton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, while a selective ballot may be an easy way out for the Government before conscription is abolished, there will be strong objection to taking two years out of a man's life as a result of a lucky or unlucky dip? Does the right hon. Gentleman's answer mean that the selective ballot is still under consideration?

Mr. Sandys

Before making a lucky dip, the hon. Member would do well to await the publication of the White Paper.

Mr. G. Brown

But is the Minister now prepared to tell us—the Lord Privy Seal was not prepared to do last week—when this White Paper, now long overdue, will in fact be available?

Mr. Sandys

As soon as possible, and in the course of next month.

Mr. Swingler

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the White Paper will contain the estimates asked for in my Question, No. 4, which asked for the estimates of the additional number of long-service volunteers required… Will the White Paper contain those estimates?

Mr. Sandys

It will contain as much information as I can usefully provide to the House.