§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether, when comparing employment and unemployment rates as between the United Kingdom and other members of the European Community, he takes into account the effect of conscription in those countries in which it takes place.
§ Mr. GummerIn comparing international rates of employment and unemployment, it is reasonable to assume that the existence of conscription in some countries may help to maintain higher employment and lower unemployment levels. However, the numerical effect on employment and unemployment would not necessarily be precisely the same as the number of conscripts.