HC Deb 19 October 1954 vol 531 cc157-8W
91. Mr. H. Hynd

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence whether, in view of the new military situation in the Middle East, he is now able to announce a reduction in the period of National Service.

Mr. H. Macmillan

No. I can make no such announcement.

93. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence if Her Majesty's Government will consider reducing the period of National Service in the light of the nine-Power agreement and the withdrawal of British Forces from Trieste and Egypt; and whether he will seek agreement for a uniform period of compulsory military service among the nine Powers.

Mr. H. Macmillan

I propose to study all these and other relevant matters during my period of office.

94. Mr. Callaghan

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence if, in view of the changed commitments of the Army, he will set on foot an inquiry into the length of National Service with a view to reducing the present term of two years.

Mr. H. Macmillan

No special inquiry of the kind suggested seems necessary. Ministers study continually all these problems.