HC Deb 16 November 1939 vol 353 cc795-6
10. Sir Cooper Rawson

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has yet completed his inquiries with regard to unemployed quarrymen in North Wales and elsewhere; and whether, in view of the fact that the Government recognise the work of quarrying as of national importance, as it is scheduled as a reserved occupation, some steps will be taken immediately, as unemployment in different parts of the country is increasing owing to the curtailment of road work, and these men are forbidden to seek employment elsewhere?

Mr. E. Brown

The inquiries are not yet completed. I should, however, make it clear that the inclusion of quarry workers in the schedule of reserved occupations does not prevent them from seeking civilian employment elsewhere; its effect is to restrict the acceptance of men of or above the age of reservation for service in any of the National Defence services.

Sir C. Rawson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this knowledge does not exist among the workmen in these localities and that they cannot get work anywhere else?

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