More than 20 per cent of conscripts called up to the Bermuda Regiment did not join the ranks, according to new figures released in the UK House of Commons.

Europe Minister Geoff Hoon revealed that of 541 men called up this year, 117 never enlisted.

From this total, 94 failed to report for medical examination or explain their absence in advance. Mr. Hoon said 51 of the 94 are believed to still be in Bermuda ? while the whereabouts of the remaining 43 was unknown.

The Minister was responding to a question tabled in Parliament by fellow Labour MP Andrew MacKinlay. He hit the headlines last year when he claimed that compulsory national service in Bermuda was discriminatory.

Mr. Hoon also reported that two of the non-serving call-ups were conscientious objectors, seven were ruled out because they were religious ministers while 14 were deferred to serve with the St. John?s Ambulance Brigade.

The Regiment currently has 65 long term absentees on its books, the Minister added. This means they have been absent without leave for more than three consecutive scheduled appearances.

A total of 21 men have been charged with unauthorised absence from the Regiment so far this year and all have been found guilty. Three received extra duties, four fines and eleven were ordered to restart the military year.

The remaining three cases have been referred to the Magistrates? Court, Mr. Hoon said in a written answer, where they remain outstanding.