§ 81. Mr. Woodburnasked the Minister of Defence whether he is aware that recruits reporting for National Service who are persuaded to enlist for three years lose, by so doing, their rights of reinstatement in civil employment, secured to them under the National Service Acts; whether he will ensure that this is made clear to such recruits; and whether he will also introduce legislation to give equivalent protection to those enlisting for such extra service.
§ Mr. HareI have been asked to reply.
My right hon. Friend is aware that the position of these men is as stated by the right hon. Gentleman. Every man registering for National Service is handed a Ministry of Labour leaflet (N.L. 2) which makes it clear that if he undertakes a voluntary engagement in lieu of National Service he loses his statutory rights to reinstatement. It is not proposed to introduce legislation on this point.