HC Deb 07 May 1952 vol 500 cc33-4W
73. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence whether he will now reduce the period of extra service imposed on Regular Service men at the expiration of their normal service time; and whether he will reduce the period of National Service from two years to its former period of 18 months.

Mr. Birch

Subject to the requirements of the international situation the Service Departments intend progressively to release Regulars retained beyond their normal term of service. Arrangements have now been made for all retained Regular Service men in the Army and the Air Force to be released by September, 1953; in the Navy it is hoped progressively to reduce the length of retention from 1953, but it is not yet possible to state when all retentions will cease.

The answer to the second part of the Question is "No."