HC Deb 19 January 1954 vol 522 cc146-7W
43. Mr. Proctor

asked the Secretary of State for War the conditions of training and service which a National Service soldier must satisfy before he is posted for service overseas; and if he is satisfied that these conditions and regulations are being adhered to.

Mr. J. R. H. Hutchison

All National Service men complete their basic training which varies according to the arm of the Service, before they are sent abroad. For those going to Middle East Land Forces, East Africa or Far East Land Forces, it is an additional requirement that they must have completed at least 12 weeks' service, including 10 weeks' training.

On arrival in East Africa or Malaya respectively, men must also undergo a further 4 or 6 weeks' special training. Before serving in Korea, the conditions are that they must have completed at least 6 months' service, be 19 years old and must have had 16 weeks' training, of which 10 weeks are carried out in this country.

I should be very ready to look into any case in which there appears to have been failure to follow these rules.