§ 32. Mr. Mallalieuasked the Minister of Labour how many offers of release under Class B have been made to builders serving in the Forces; and how many acceptances have been received to the nearest convenient date.
§ 40. Mr. Sidney Shephardasked the Minister of Labour if he will state the number of men in the Services who have been offered Class B release; and how many of them have accepted release under this scheme.
§ 81. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the large numbers of skilled artisans, including builders, plumbers, joiners and experienced men in export trades who are still retained in the Forces despite their, and their previous employers, wish to return to their civilian jobs; how many of such men have declined release under Scheme B; how many have applied for release under Scheme B and been refused; and what further steps he proposes to take 10 secure the early return of these men.
§ 93. Mr. Channonasked the Minister of Labour up to what specific groups it will be necessary to go in order to obtain, under the Class B scheme, a sufficient number of teachers for present requirements; and what is the highest numbered group from which teachers have to date been released under this scheme.
§ Mr. IsaacsI have consulted the Service Departments, who alone can give this detailed information, and I have satisfied myself that its extraction would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work, and would, moreover, seriously interfere with action now being taken for the release of men for whom application has been made and whose services are urgently needed. Some of the information asked for was given in the comprehensive statement which I made last week, and I propose to issue a general statement of progress monthly. In all the circumstances, I do not feel justified in asking the Service Departments to delay work on current releases by supplying further detailed information about the progress of release of specified classes. I hope hon. Members will be ready to co-operate in this matter by not asking for detailed information which can only be given at the cost of slowing down the current work on releases.
§ Mr. MallalieuCan the Minister say, generally, whether he is satisfied with the rate of acceptance in the Forces?
§ Mr. IsaacsIt is difficult to say that we are satisfied, but we are content with the matter as it now stands, and efforts are being made to encourage acceptance.
Lieut.-Colonel DowerIs the Minister aware that the condition, not only of war damaged houses, but of other houses as well, gets worse and worse, and could not the right hon. Gentleman really think of some action to try to get more building operatives back on the job?
§ Mr. IsaacsThey are being brought back as quickly as we can contact them, but many of them are long distances away. We are, up to the present, content, as I say. We would like to see it better, but we cannot do better at the moment.
§ Mr. CocksIs it possible for building employers to apply for a release of their men to the Ministry of Works?
§ 33. Mr. Mallalieuasked the Minister of Labour whether he will assure builders released under Class B from the Forces that they will not be directed to work away from home.
§ Mr. IsaacsBuilding operatives released from the Forces in Class B are, in general, placed in building work near their homes. At my request, the Service Departments have already arranged for this to be explained to men who are offered release in Class B, but it has been pointed out that it may be necessary to employ a man away from home to meet special circumstances.