HC Deb 11 March 1959 vol 601 cc1228-9
6. Mr. Mellish

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps he is taking to segregate National Service men into separate units.

Mr. Soames

None, Sir. The proportion of Regulars to National Service men varies from unit to unit. The proportion of Regulars increases as recruitment improves and as the number of National Service men called up is reduced.

Mr. Mellish

Is it not a fact that the right hon. Gentleman said that in the re-equipping of the Regular Army we were to have new weapons, new equipment and new uniforms? As I gather that these will go only to the Regulars, will not the Army be a ramshackle affair, with a proportion of the men having new equipment and the poor, wretched National Service men using the old? Surely it is intended to do something about that?

Mr. Soames

I am surprised at the hon. Member getting hold of the wrong end of the stick to such an extent. As the equipment goes out and is issued to units, it goes to all men in those units, including National Service men.

Mr. Mellish

Including uniforms?

Mr. Soames

They are not out yet.

7. Mr. Mellish

asked the Secretary of State for War to what extent he is considering the possibility of releasing National Service men before the completion of their two years' period of service where the Army can no longer provide them with useful employment.

Mr. Soames

The number of men being called for National Service is being progressively reduced as the Army gets smaller. Those already serving will complete the period of two years.

Mr. Mellish

But that does not answer the Question, does it? I was asking whether, when the Army can no longer provide them with useful employment, the right hon. Gentleman proposes to keep these men kicking their heels.

Mr. Soames

That is not so. I was asked whether I was considering releasing National Service men before completion of their two years' service and I said that those already serving will continue for the two years.