University Students and Military Service

Abstract

IN the discussions in the House of Commons on December 9 and 10 on the National Service Bill, 1942, Mr. E. Bevin, Minister of Labour, pointed out that the measure was largely an administrative one to facilitate the calling up of young men of eighteen. The position of prospective university students was discussed by several members of the House. Mr. K. Lindsay remarked that the Bill meant the end of university life in Great Britain during the War, except for a few specialists. Mr. Harvey asked for an assurance that if an undergraduate's work was satisfactory he would be allowed to complete an academic year before being called up. Sir P. Harris said that any advance in education after the War would be impossible without a proper supply of teachers, and that the proposed call-up would paralyse the whole educational scheme of the country.