§ 23. Mr. Dempseyasked the Minister of Defence if, in view of the developing mobility of the Armed Forces, he will consider reducing the period of National Service for all National Service men.
§ Mr. WatkinsonNo, Sir.
§ Mr. DempseyDoes the Minister appreciate that as a result of increasing mobility it becomes quite desirable and practicable to telescope training facilities, thus reducing the period of National Service? Does not he realise that by doing so we could eliminate the wastage of many young Service men and release additional manpower in order to assist the country to face the present economic challenge?
§ Mr. WatkinsonWe have released certain National Service men who, for reasons of the cut-down in training commitments, and other reasons, have become redundant. We will keep to that policy. But as I said in answer to the Question, I see no chance of cutting down the term.