HC Deb 14 October 1952 vol 505 cc8-9W
67. Mrs. Braddock

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will permit the terms of A.C.I. 768 of 1948, which allows a serving soldier to claim free discharge after having completed 16 years' continuous service, to operate again; and from what date.

Mr. Head

All retention of Regular soldiers for additional Colour service is due to end in September, 1953. This instruction, including the provision to which the hon. Member refers, is of necessity being recast in the light of the new terms of service recently introduced.

73. Mr. Alport

asked the Secretary of State for War how many soldiers serving overseas have been retained beyond the period of their normal overseas tour; and when he anticipates that it will be possible to revert to the normal basis of overseas service.

Mr. Head

At present authority has been given for some 400 Regular soldiers to be retained overseas beyond their normal three-year tour. However, no man is being retained for more than six months, and for many the period has been less. In all cases this step is being taken to enable the man to stay with his unit and return home with it. When the new three-year overseas tour for units has completed a full cycle in 1955, the need for such retention should be practically eliminated, except in emergencies.