Mr. Leeasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence whether he is aware of the dangers to industry contained in the practice of refusing to allow an apprentice called-up for National Service to continue learning his trade unless he agrees to serve for a longer period in the forces; and what steps he will take to remedy this matter.
§ Mr. BirchThe implication in the hon. Member's question is incorrect. In certain Service trades where vacancies are222W limited, preference is given, in the interests of the Services, to men serving on Regular engagements.