HC Deb 09 February 1954 vol 523 cc97-8W
56. Mr. K. Thompson

asked the Secretary of State for War in what circumstances a National Service man may be retained in the Army beyond the normal maximum period of two years; and in what proportion of all National Service men called up these circumstances have been held to apply.

Mr. Head

Every effort is made to get a man off to his home before his two-year period ends. A man may, however, be held longer if he is awaiting trial or sentence or is completing a punishment.

A man who is in hospital may also be kept until he is fit. Otherwise, the period is only exceeded if unavoidable delay in trooping occurs. Statistics are not kept.