§ 83. Mr. F. Longdenasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the number of the Z Reserve who cannot map out their future industrial lives because they feel that nothing is definitely known concerning either their position when living abroad, or the fixing of a set period of reserve, following the date of discharge; and if he will make public the full facts.
§ Mr. HeadNo Z reservist over the age of 45 is being recalled for training this year. I cannot, however, undertake to fix a similar age limit for liability to recall in an emergency, since a small number of Z reservists over the age of 45 might then be needed. If a Z reservist takes up permanent residence abroad and asks to be discharged, it is the normal practice to accede to his request.
§ 87. Sir I. Fraserasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give an assurance that the present regulations governing the call up of Z class reservists are sufficiently elastic to allow variations in the date to meet the needs and business circumstances of seasonal workers and others for whom the height of the summer is the busiest time of the year.
§ Mr. HeadMy hon. Friend will understand that, without sacrificing one of the main objects of the scheme—the bringing together of the men into units with which they would serve in the event of war—it is impracticable to meet every individual or seasonal interest. However, the period over which reservists will be recalled has been spread more evenly than last year and extends from March to December. For this reason, I hope that inconvenience to holiday and seasonal trades will be reduced.