§ 2. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Labour if he will consider granting an option to young men directed to mining work to accept instead work on the repair of bombed houses, particularly if they had been engaged on, or were trained in, building work.
§ Mr. SorensenIn view of the very urgent need for young and able workers in the building and repairing of houses, does not the right hon. Gentleman feel that he might give this matter further consideration?
§ Mr. MainwaringIs it not about time this impossible and futile scheme was dropped?
§ 16. Mr. Cocksasked the Minister of Labour for what period boys are directed to the mines; and what is their position with regard to demobilisation.
§ Mr. BevinNo period is specified in the directions. As stated in my reply of 12th October, to the hon. Member for West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen), young men sent to coalmining under the ballot scheme will not be retained compulsorily beyond the date at which they would have been released from the Forces if they had been called up.
§ Mr. CocksDoes this mean that as miners are released from the Army, these boys will be released, or does it mean that they will have to remain in the pits until voluntary recruiting becomes normal—which will be never as long as the present system of private ownership continues?
§ Mr. BevinNo, Sir, they will be affected by the age and length of service system, just as if they had been in the Army.
§ 17 Mr. Cocksasked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the position of those boys who, before being conscripted for the mines, were articled to various professions and have still periods of study to complete and examinations to pass before they can practise in these professions; and whether such boys will be given priority when demobilisation is considered.
§ Mr. BevinI should propose to treat these boys in this respect as nearly as possible on the same footing as if they had been called up for the Forces.
§ Mr. CocksDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that many of these boys will not be able to earn their living in their professions until they are well on in the twenties? That will be a handicap and, in the meantime, they will be a burden on their parents.
§ Mr. BevinThey will have available to them, as I explained in the Debate yesterday, the re-education and training scheme just as the troops have. I have guaranteed that to them.
§ Mr. Kenneth LindsayWill they not have premiums assistance?
§ Mr. MuffWill my right hon. Friend give preferential treatment to boys who have volunteered to work in the mines?