§ Mr. G. TERRELL (by Private Notice)asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, with a view to securing the men with a minimum of disturbance to industry, he will consult employers through their organisations in connection with his appeal for 15,000 Special Service Volunteers?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONNo, Sir; I have not made a special appeal to employers; but I should be glad to consult with my hon. Friend, who is, I know, in touch with a large employers' organisation, on the subject. I made an appeal for 15,000 trained and efficient Volunteers of Grade 2 and from thirty-five years of age from the large number of enrolled Volunteers for full-time special service for a minimum period of two months. Each accepted Volunteer will receive precisely the same treatment as regards pay and separation allowances as soldiers of the Regular Army.
The Government regard this special service in this emergency as of the highest national importance. I am glad to say that my right hon. Friend the Minister of National Service has arranged that any accepted Volunteer will not be prejudiced in any way by reason of his offer of service, and I feel sure that, similarly, employers will adopt a sympathetic attitude and relieve any apprehension there may be in an accepted 1747 Volunteer's mind that his position on his return to civil employment will be in any way prejudiced.