§ Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for War what training is given to National Service men before they are sent abroad, what period is first served at home; and what is the minimum age at which they are sent abroad.
§ Mr. StracheyAll National Service men complete their basic training before being sent abroad. The period of this training varies widely as between different arms of the Service. Before being sent to the Middle East Land Forces, the Far East Land Forces or Korea, it is an additional condition that National Service men must have completed at least 12 weeks' service, including 10 weeks' training, 18 weeks' service, including 16 weeks' training, and six months' service respectively. The minimum age at which National Service men may be sent abroad is 19 years in the case of Korea, 18 years in the case of the Continent of Europe (excluding Greece, Malta and Gibraltar) and 18 years 3 months in the case of all other overseas theatres.