HC Deb 13 February 1940 vol 357 cc569-70
39. Mr. Sloan

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that during the period of traffic hold-up, between 28th January and 3rd February, 1940, thousands of soldiers who were enlisted for military training were engaged clearing snow from roads and railways; what authority he has for employing soldiers on civil duties; what remuneration the soldiers received; and whether a charge is being made against the railway companies and local authorities for this work?

Mr. Stanley

It is usual for soldiers to render assistance in cases of this kind. I will obtain a report as to the services performed and the conditions under which the troops were employed, and will communicate with the hon. Member in due course.

Mr. Sloan

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in this district where these soldiers were sent to clear away the snow thousands of unemployed miners were prevented from getting to work and hundreds of thousands of tons of coal were lost because of the action of the military?

Mr. Stanley

I do not agree with that at all. I know districts in the country where owing to snowfall communications have been practically and completely interrupted, and it was owing to the assistance of soldiers in the locality that it was possible to resume ordinary communications.

Mr. Ede

Can the Minister say whether the soldiers went under orders, or were volunteers called for?

Mr. Stanley

I cannot answer that question off-hand, but I expect that they were ordered. It was a national necessity that communications should be re-established.

Mr. J. J. Davidson

By national cheap labour.

Sir H. Williams

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in one case a request was made to the military to clear the roads in order that miners might get to work?

40. Mr. Sloan

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that soldiers are now being employed on civilian duties and the possibility of an extension of the practice, he will state what safeguards he is instituting to allay the apprehension that a policy of industrial conscription is thus being introduced?

Mr. Stanley

There has been no change in policy in this matter, and no change is contemplated.

41. Mr. Sloan

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that one young soldier was killed and two severely injured, whilst engaged in clearing snow on the railway between Penrith and Keswick; that this accident occurred because of lack of knowledge of the technique of signalling; and is he taking disciplinary action against the officers who sent these young men to this dangerous occupation?

Mr. Stanley

I have called for a report, and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as I am in a position to do so. I understand that my right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Transport has ordered an inquiry to be held into the circumstances of the accident, and that this inquiry is to take place to-morrow.

Mr. Sloan

If the inquiry proves that the soldier was killed, will the dependants or next-of-kin be recompensed under the common law of employers' liability?

Mr. Stanley

Obviously, I cannot answer that question without notice.