HC Deb 11 February 1959 vol 599 c1175
34. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Minister of Defence whether, in view of the improvement in the recruitment of men for the Forces, he will advance the date for the termination of the call-up.

Mr. Sandys

I am afraid it would not be practicable to advance the date.

Mr. Shinwell

As the Minister has admitted that there has been a substantial improvement in the recruitment figures, and as I think he will admit that National Service is very costly and that after a prolonged period of training the men are not of very great value to the Services, would it not be to our advantage and to the advantage of the men concerned to suspend the call-up at an earlier date?

Mr. Sandys

I must say the change of tune is very striking. A year ago I was told we would not get the recruits, now I am being urged to end National Service a year earlier.

Mr. Shinwell

But is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in this matter I have never changed my tune, whereas he has changed his tune several times since he became Minister of Defence?

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