§ 5. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for War how many of the Royal Scots Fusiliers, recently sent to Cyprus, were National Service men.
§ 6. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for War how many National Service men have been, or are being, sent by the Army to the Middle East.
§ Mr. AmeryAbout half of the Army is composed of National Service men and this ratio applies generally in all theatres, including the Middle East. It would not be in the public interest to give precise figures.
§ Mr. HughesCan the Minister tell us what maximum field training these National Service men have before they are sent to Cyprus?
§ Mr. AmeryThey are never sent unless they have had their basic training and usually a good deal more.
§ Mr. ShinwellIf half the number of men in Cyprus and the Middle East are National Service men, on the assumption that these commitments continue, how will the War Office be able to do without them?
§ Mr. AllaunWill the Minister say whether today's Press report that further reinforcements, including National Service men, are being sent out there is correct? Is he aware of the widespread concern that men who are being conscripted to defend their own country should be sent out on an operation which endangers world peace?
§ Mr. AmeryWith regard to the first part of the supplementary question, perhaps the hon. Member would put down a Question. With regard to the second part, I think that the overwhelming majority of National Service men would bitterly resent any discrimination between them and the Regular Army.