HC Deb 04 May 1960 vol 622 cc1067-8
24. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for War why his Department refuses to consider the labour shortages of particular firms, jeopardising their production programmes, as grounds for releasing skilled men from the Army, whereas such grounds are considered adequate by hardship tribunals for granting deferment of call-up.

Mr. Soames

The circumstances set out by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour in his Answer on 14th March may justify postponement of call-up. They do not justify a man's exemption from National Service. Neither do they justify the release of men serving, unless some element of exceptional hardship has subsequently developed which might warrant a compassionate discharge.

Mr. Swingler

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is not a question of exemption from National Service but of permitting the premature release of men who have served some time, in view of the urgent need for them in industrial production? In view of the fact that the Army is being put on a voluntary basis, and that the Ministry of Labour is becoming more liberal in this matter, would the right hon. Gentleman reconsider this matter when it is clear that a man's skill is urgently needed by a particular firm?

Mr. Soames

Yes. Where a new situation developed after the call-up, which was not in existence at the time when the Minister of Labour said that the man could be called up and should no longer be deferred, then certainly we would bear these considerations in mind.

Mr. Chetwynd

In view of the ending of National Service, would the right hon. Gentleman now consider early release for people who wish to start their university careers this October?

Mr. Soames

I should require notice of that question, but at present we could not do that.