HC Deb 31 January 1918 vol 101 cc1725-7
26. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Minister of National Service whether the month within which a discharged disabled man can apply for work of national importance dates from the calling - up notice or from the 21st January?

The MINISTER of NATIONAL SERVICE (Sir Auckland Geddes)

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on this subject on the 21st instant, in which it was stated that the period of one month would run from the coming into force of the arrangement in the case of men already discharged, and from the date of discharge in the case of men who may be discharged hereafter. A detailed Instruction to all officials of the Ministry of National Service concerned as to the procedure to be followed to give effect to the arrangement is being prepared, and it is not intended that the month should begin to run until that Instruction has been circulated. It will probably prove advisable, in order to avoid possibility of misunderstanding, to name. in the Instruction a particular date (subsequent to the date of the Instruction) as the point of time fromwhich the month will run.

Mr. HOGGE

Can the right hon. Gentleman make certain that the men concerned themselves will be sure to get the Instruction, or that such steps will be taken that they cannot avoid knowing about it?

Sir A. GEDDES

I can only say that very great publicity has been given to it within reasonable amounts of cost; and, as the lion. Member may be aware, I have already said that if any individuals among these discharged soldiers can show a good case for not being founds work within a month, the period will be extended.

27. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Minister of National Service whether he can state the list of occupations of national importance which his Department are prepared to make available to discharged disabled men who wish to take advantage of the same?

Sir A. GEDDES

Discharged soldiers engaged in any one of the following occupations will be regarded as undertaking work of national importance:

Shipbuilding.

Ship repairing.

Marine engineering.

Munitions.

Agriculture.

Agricultural implement making.

Food production.

Railways.

Tramways.

Iron ore mines.

Gas, water, electric undertakings.

Other work granted priority by the National Labour Priority Committee.

Mr. SNOWDEN

Can the right hon. Gentleman say, in view of the already depleted labour in the cotton trade, why that trade is not included in the list?

Sir A. GEDDES

There is more labour available than is required to work up the material available to be worked up.