65. Mr. T. WILSONasked the Minister of National Service if he is aware that men employed by a contractor but who are engaged on Admiralty work are receiving their calling-up papers; that 154 when they appeal to the Enlistment Com plaints Committee there is delay in their case being decided; that when the date of their calling-up notice expires their employer discharges them on the ground that he dare not employ them after the date they are ordered to join the Army; and. seeing that this is a hardship on the men, whether ho will take steps to remove its cause?
§ Mr. BECKIt is not clear to what class of workmen the hon. Member refers. If he refers to workmen employed upon Government constructional work, the necessary temporary protection of such men is given by this Ministry on consideration of the requirements submitted by the Government Departments concerned. If he refers to men engaged in an occupation covered by the Schedule of Protected Occupations, such men, if they lodge a claim with the Enlistment Complaints Sub-committee that they are entitled to protection under the Schedule, are not required to report for service until the claim has been decided. Calling-up notices have a slip attached to them informing men that in such cases they should return the calling-up notice, stating the circumstances. If the claim is allowed the calling-up notice is cancelled. I am not aware of the circumstances stated in the concluding part of the question.