HC Deb 25 January 1955 vol 536 c3W
60. Mr. Wyatt

asked the Secretary of State for War why, as an inducement to sign on for a three-year engagement, National Service men are being informed that unless they do so they cannot join the regiment of their choice.

Mr. F. Maclean

National Service men are not told this, and their wishes are met whenever possible. What is explained to them before their call-up is that, because preferences do not always correspond with the Army's needs, they cannot, as National Service men, be certain of joining the regiment or corps which they would wish, but that they may do so if they undertake the longer Regular engagement.