HC Deb 14 February 1968 vol 758 cc1317-8
3. Mr. James Davidson

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is now prepared to report on the results of the inquiry into the recruitment of young Servicemen.

28. Mr. Tinn

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he expect to announce a decision on the recommendations of the Committee on The Age of Majority that boys who join the Armed Forces shall be given periodical opportunities to obtain discharge before the age of 30 years.

42. Mr. Cronin

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will now make a statement on his policy with regard to reducing the period of service of Servicemen who were recruited under the age of 18 years and wish to leave the Armed Forces.

58. Mr. John Hall

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he has now completed his consideration of the Latey Report; and if he will make a statement.

The Minister of Defence for Administration (Mr. G. W. Reynolds)

I would refer the hon. Members concerned to the statement I made in the House on 5th February, 1968.—[Vol. 758, c. 43-50.]

Mr. Davidson

The right hon. Gentleman will appreciate that this Question was tabled before the statement was made. May I ask the Minister when the first and third of the Latey Committee's recom- mendations will be implemented, the levels of which he accepted in his statement on 5th February?

Mr. Reynolds

As regard the period of six months for a youngster to make up his mind whether he wants to stay; virtually straightaway. Concerning raising the age to 18 for parental consent: as I said, if and when the general age of legal majority is reduced to 18.

Mr. Tinn

Is the Minister aware that, while we welcome some improvement, many of us are still dissatisfied that the law protects young people against unwise hire-purchase commitments but allows them to sign away a substantial part of their lives? Would it not have been more courteous for his Department to inform hon. Members who had tabled Questions for answer today that he intended to make his statement last week?

Mr. Reynolds

I informed all Members who have been in touch with me. I regret not informing the hon. Gentleman who had a Question down for today. I gave a fairly full statement on 5th February. I have nothing to add to that. As I have said before, I am not prepared to argue on the moral question involved, because I accept that the argument against me is very strong indeed.