§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether staff in his Department undertook any press briefings during the summer recess in respect of the issue of conscription; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanNo press briefings on the issue of conscription have been undertaken by staff in my 597W Department during and since the summer recess. The Government's view on the issue was given by the Prime Minister on 20 March 1986: conscription would mean an enormous change in the whole of our defence policy which is founded on professional armed services, and which has served our country well.