N.A.T.O. Countries (National Service and Expenditure)

HC Deb 03 November 1954 vol 532 cc47-8W

81. Mr. Callaghan

asked the Minister of Defence in how many North Atlantic Treaty Organisation nations national service is as much as two years for the Army; and how many have a shorter period of service.

Mr. H. Macmillan

In addition to the United Kingdom, two N.A.T.O. countries at present require 24 months compulsory full-time military service in the Army. In Canada and Iceland there is no compulsory military service, and in the remaining nine countries the periods of service are less than 24 months.

85. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Defence if he will draw the attention of the North Atlantic Treaty Council to the fact that the United Kingdom has a higher level of defence expenditure per head and greater commitments than any other European Member-State; and if he