HC Deb 18 December 1968 vol 775 cc1375-6
30. Mr. Peyton

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if it his intention to introduce legislation extending the period during which former National Servicemen are liable for recall.

Mr. Reynolds

I must ask the hon. Gentleman to await the statement which I shall be making shortly.

Mr. Peyton

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman be a little more forthright with the House? Can he not now accept, for instance, that this measure is probably inevitable and that, taking into account the ages of the people involved, it will be a very short-term expedient anyway? Does he not think that the time has come to be a little less shifty and to be fair to these people, who will find this an increasing obligation?

Mr. Reynolds

I will give the House the Government's full views on this matter as soon as we reach a decision.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Will my right hon. Friend not now see his way to elaborating on that answer, with particular regard to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders?

Mr. Reynolds

The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders are not exactly in this part of the Army.

Mr. Peyton

On a point of order. In view of that non-Reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

Mr. Speaker

Order. Notice should be given in the normal way.

Mr. Peyton

On a point of order. In view of the very unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.