§ 144. Mr. Shurmerasked the Secretary of State for War what consideration the Government has given to the payment of a bonus or gratuity to National Service men and reservists recalled for the Suez crisis; and what the amount will be.
§ Mr. HareAs I explained in answer to a Question by the hon. Member for Dudley (Mr. Wigg) on 27th November, the terminal leave and pay arrangements which we have made for recalled reservists are generous. The payment of a gratuity in addition is not therefore contemplated.
§ 145. Mr. Shurmerasked the Secretary of State for War in view of the fact that many reservists are family men, with wives and children, if he will consider giving Christmas leave to as many of these reservists as possible.
§ 147. Mr. Owenasked the Secretary of State for War to give priority of release to Army reservists who are miners, in 146W order that they may return to the coal fields.
§ Mr. HareWe are releasing reservists as soon as they are no longer required, and I am not willing to grant any general priority for particular classes or occupations. Individual cases for the release of key workers in the mining industry are continuing to be considered, but the general release scheme is progressing so quickly that such men have often already been released in the normal course.