HC Deb 31 January 1939 vol 343 cc34-5
56 Mr. Ede

asked the Minister of Labour (1) how many committees for national service have been set up for counties and county boroughs, respectively, in England and Wales; and what is the total number of representatives of organised labour who have been appointed as such to these committees;

(2) in how many counties and county boroughs, respectively, in England and Wales a committee for national service has not yet been set up;

(3) what is the largest number of representatives of labour who have been appointed as such to any county committee for national service, and to any county borough committee; and will he give the name of the committee in each case?

Mr. E. Brown

National Service Committees have been set up for every county in Great Britain, for every county borough in England and Wales, and for every county of a city and large burgh in Scotland. The numbers are: in England, 49 county committees and 79 county borough committees; in Wales, 13 county committees and 4 county borough committees; in Scotland, 33 county committees, 4 committees for counties of cities, and 20 committees for large burghs.

The number of representatives of organised labour, nominated as such by the Trade Union Congress, on each committee, is normally three, though in a few exceptional cases the number is four, and in one case (Northumberland) six. In addition, there are many Labour representatives as civic heads and representatives of local authorities.

Mr. R. C. Morrison

Will it be a part of the duties of these committees to reconsider the personnel that have volunteered for air-raid precautions service with a view to deleting some of them and putting them into other categories?

Mr. Brown

Perhaps the hon. Member would put that question to my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal.

Mr. Mander

Are there any cases where local organisations have refused to cooperate in the work of these committees?

Mr. Brown

I think there are one or two, but I do not know of a definite case where there has not been a saving clause. There are very few; the response has been most satisfactory.