HC Deb 03 November 1938 vol 340 cc350-1
23. Miss Ward

asked the Minister of Labour, whether he is satisfied that all men called up to serve the nation during the crisis have been reinstated in their peace-time employment?

Mr. E. Brown

I am satisfied that employers in general have a full sense of their responsibility in this matter and have re-instated men who were called up from employment with them. In a relatively small number of cases these men have not returned to their former employment. The Employment Exchanges are paying special attention to cases of this kind, and will continue to do so.

Miss Ward

May I assume that if particular cases are reported action will be taken, and will my right hon. Friend consider, if there is no adequate excuse, publishing the names of the firms who have not done it?

Mr. Brown

I do not think there is any need for that. I do not think the House understood anything but this, that the Federation of Employers had been very sympathetic and had given their attention to any individual cases reported.

Mr. Fleming

Is it a fact that there have been certain cases where employers have refused to take back men who volunteered for service?

Mr. Brown

I have not heard that, but it sometimes happens that when a man goes back, the job on which he has been working no longer exists.