§ 21. Mr. Liptonasked the Minister of Labour how many men are still liable to call-up for National Service, and in what ages or categories.
§ Mr. HareAll British male subjects resident in Great Britain born before 1st January, 1941, and under 26 years of age are still liable under the National Service Acts, unless they have already 17 served. They number about a million, but I would remind the hon. Gentleman of my reply on this subject to my hon. Friend the Member for Aylesbury (Sir S. Summers) on 18th November last year.
§ Mr. LiptonDoes this mean that about 1 million men are still liable for call-up under the National Service Acts? As men not issued with enlistment notices before 17th November last are not to be called up, has not the time come to tidy up the whole of this business with the least possible delay, because this means that quite a number of people still do not know what their position is likely to be?
§ Mr. HareI think the hon. Gentleman is suggesting that we should repeal the National Service Acts, but these Acts cover men at present serving.
§ Mr. Elwyn JonesIs it really right that there are 1 million men liable to call-up? Is there any ambiguity as to their status and risk of call-up in the circumstances?
§ Mr. LiptonThis is an alarming statement. Most members of the general public do not realise that this is the case. Can the Minister split up the figures or give us some further information, because his reply is most disconcerting?