§ 88. Mr. Ian Harveyasked the Minister of Labour whether he will appoint a committee to investigate the working of the National Service Act, with particular reference to medical examination, selection and deferment, and to examine the circumstances under which the conditions of the Act can be evaded.
§ Mr. WatkinsonNo. I would remind my hon. Friend that the arrangements for the registration, medical examination, deferment and call-up of men under the National Service Acts were examined by the Select Committee on Estimates in the 1952–53 Session; its Report was presented to the House in March, 1953.
With regard to evasion, my right hon. and learned Friend's reply to my hon. Friend on 25th March indicated that he has the possibility of remedial measures in mind.
§ Lieut-Colonel Liptonasked the Minister of Labour if he can give an estimate of the number of young men who evade call-up by taking up residence in the Channel Islands.
§ Mr. WatkinsonNo precise figure is available, but the number is certainly insignificant.