HC Deb 21 June 1915 vol 72 cc934-5
52. Colonel YATE

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the anxiety amongst men desirous of enlisting as to whether their situations will be vacant for them on the conclusion of the War, and the cases in which men are actually frightened to join the Colours for fear of losing their jobs, he will consider the question of introducing legislation whereby it shall be made compulsory for all employers of labour to reinstate in their former positions after the War all men who leave their service with permission to join His Majesty's Forces for the duration of the War?

The PRIME MINISTER

There appear to be considerable difficulties in the way of such legislation. As I stated in answer to the hon. Member's question on Monday last, employers as a whole have shown themselves very ready to give this assurance.

Colonel YATE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it was publicly stated on Saturday last, I think by the hon. Member for Derby, that we have had a guarantee from one of the heads of the Government that at the end of hostilities all rail-way—

Mr. SPEAKER

The Prime Minister is not responsible for statements made by private Members.