§ 41. Mr. Gurdenasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will abandon all charges for desertion against former National Servicemen, and grant amnesty in all these cases.
§ Mr. ReynoldsNo, Sir. Desertion is a serious offence, and the Government cannot lightly declare any amnesty which would constitute an official pardon for evading a duty which most National Servicemen accepted as an essential service.
§ Mr. GurdenWhy not, since it will take about 20 years, at the present rate of discovery, to find all these men? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the police are spending hundreds of hours arresting men and taking them long distances, only to find that they are all let off and discharged without penalty at the end of the day, which is a waste for the whole country?
§ Mr. ReynoldsI have considered all these matters, but I am not prepared to do anything at present.
§ Mr. RoebuckCan my hon. Friend do anything to trace the right hon. Member for Wallasey (Mr. Marples)?