§ 62. Mr. C. Royleasked the Secretary of State for War how many National Service men are still serving an extended period owing to detention for offences against the military code; and how many have been in the Army for five, four and three years, respectively, since the date of their call-up.
§ Mr, ProfumoThere are at present nine men in military penal or corrective establishments whose sentences will not have been completed by the 30th May, 1963. Most of them have already been discharged from the Army. Of these men, two who are serving sentences for desertion were originally called up more than five years ago. Four others who are serving sentences for various serious offences were called up more than three years ago. I regret that I cannot estimate the number of National Service men who will still be serving sentences in their units or awaiting disciplinary action on the 30th May.