38 and 39. Mr. DUNCANasked the Minister of National Service (1) whether he is aware that both the employers and the whole of the organised workmen are represented on the interim committee of the National Council for the china clay industry in Devon and Cornwall; that all interests concerned desire to work harmoniously together in order to avoid difficulty and friction in connection with the calling up of men to the Colours; whether he will state what is the object of the Director of National Service at Bristol in refusing to consult with the above-mentioned committee; (2) if he is aware that the present uncertainty as to the method to be employed in selecting the men to be called up from the china clay industry in Devon and Cornwall is preventing the trade from making such arrangements as may prove necessary to 152 enable them to meet the national needs and at the same time avoid the closing down of any of the firms at present engaged in the industry; and will he say what action he proposes to take?
§ 40 and 41. Sir FRANCIS LAYLAND-BARRATTasked the Minister of National Service (1) whether he is aware that the Pottery Industrial National Council has been consulted as to the selection of men to be called to the Colours from that industry; and will he say why the same policy does not obtain with regard to the china clay industry in Devon and Cornwall; (2) whether he is aware that an interim committee of the National Council for the china clay industry in Devon and Cornwall, representing the whole industry, both employers and workmen, has been formed; and whether, with a view to avoiding the closing down of any of the firms connected with the industry, he will favourably consider the offer made by the above-mentioned committee to assist the Ministry in the selection of such men as may be imperatively required to be called up for military service?
§ Sir A. GEDDESA committee appointed by the National Council of the China Clay and China Stone Industries was interviewed by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry on the 29th May, and the Decertification Order and the general man-power position of the industry were fully discussed. The committee asked for an assurance, which was readily given, that further Orders affecting the industry would not be made without consultation with the new council. I am asking the Director of National Service for the South-Western Region to arrange for an early meeting with the National Council of the china clay industry, in order that they may have a full opportunity of putting forward their views. I am always most desirous of consulting the National Councils, as they are established on questions of general policy in relation to the industries which they represent.
§ Sir F. LAYLAND-BARRATTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Director of National Service in Bristol refused to have any communication whatever with the interim committee of the National Council of the china clay industry?
§ Sir A. GEDDESI understand that the Director of National Service in the south-western 153 region knew that the council had sent a deputation to London, and that certain arrangements were made there, and he did not wish to have any chance of confusion.
Mr. T. WILSONWill the right hon. Gentleman make more careful inquiries into the qualifications of his representatives?
§ Sir F. LAYLAND-BARRATTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Director of National Service at Bristol refused to have anything to do with the interim committee of the National Council of the china clay industry in calling up their men, and professed his intention of dealing with each of the small firms, numbering sixty-five, separately?
§ Sir A. GEDDESNo; I was not aware that he had refused to have anything to do with the interim committee of the National Council. I understand—I may have been misinformed—that he knew that a committee of the National Council had already been received in London, and that certain arrangements had been made with them as to general policy.
§ Sir F. LAYLAND-BARRATTMay I send the right hon. Gentleman a copy of the letter of the Director of National Service, in which he refused to deal with the National Council?
§ Sir A. GEDDESI should be very pleased to receive it.