§ 68. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, with a view to increasing coal production, he has approached the War Office with a view to returning to the pits colliers now serving in the Army in this country of Grade B1 as well as B2 and B3?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Wardle)The answer to this question is in the negative. Every effort is being made to expedite the release of miners of categories B2 and B3 now serving at home, and the Controller is confident that until these categories have been exhausted the Army Council will be unwilling to release men of higher medical category.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs my hon. Friend aware that the coal production for July is likely to be less than for June, and may I ask whether, in view of that situation, the Coal Controller is prepared 1513 to bring pressure to bear on the War Office to return B1 men as well to this country?
§ Mr. WARDLEI should like notice of that question.
§ General McCALMONTWill the hon. Gentleman approach the War Office with a view to the return of some of the men who are in non-fighting services abroad for this purpose?
§ Mr. WARDLEThat has already been done.