HC Deb 02 April 1940 vol 359 cc6-7
6. Mr. Kirkwood

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give further consideration to the case of Sapper A. McCardle, No. 1891532, who was, before being called up, an apprentice press tool-maker within a short time of completing his apprenticeship; and whether, in view of the fact that McCardle has not been employed at his own trade in the Army, but has acted as a waiter in the officers' mess, he will consider releasing this man from service as he is needed in the important trade from which he was taken?

Mr. Stanley

No application has been received for the release of Sapper McCardle. All men must undergo normal military training and take their share of ordinary duties, and Sapper McCardle has accordingly carried out preliminary military training and has been employed for a short period as a telephone orderly and then as a mess waiter. He is resuming military training in Royal Engineer field works, after which he will be employed as a toolmaker.

Mr. Kirkwood

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have here a letter from the Secretary of the Killowie Branch of the Amalgamated Engineering Union stating definitely that not only they, but their executive council, pleaded for this man's release because he is a highly technical man, and that it was refused? I have here a handful of records from several engineering industries in Britain along the same lines. Is not the Secretary of State prepared to do something in order to relieve the discontent in the engineering industry at the moment?

Mr. Stanley

This man will be employed as a toolmaker in the Army and if I release him the only result will be that I shall have to take another tool-maker to carry out the work that is necessary.

Mr. Kirkwood

What about the letters I have here from other engineering centres in Britain?

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member can send them to the Secretary of State for War.