§ 38. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement on the position of men born between 1st April and 30th June, 1939, and also in respect of men born between 1st July and 30th September, 1939, in regard to the call up to the Armed Forces.
§ The Minister of Labour and National Service (Mr. Iain Macleod)Last year's White Paper on Call-up of Men to the Forces, 1957–60, explained that men born in the second quarter of 1939 were likely to be called up and that an announcement would be made early in 1958 about those born in the third quarter. I am now able to say that men born in both these quarters will be needed. It is expected that men born in the second quarter of 1939 will start being called up in the later months of this year and those born in the third quarter during 1959.
§ Mr. DoddsDoes the Minister appreciate the value of making statements of this kind? Is he aware that there have 1204 been conflicting reports, and some frustration between young people and their parents, and that it is advisable to make these statements whenever possible so that all will know what the future has in store?