HC Deb 20 June 1940 vol 362 cc219-20
6. Sir Granville Gibson

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour whether, in view of the doubts caused by the appeal by the Minister of Aircraft Production for garage hands to transfer to the aircraft industry, and the statement by the Commander-in-Chief of the Home Forces that the utmost services of the motor industry's repair shops and garages would be required immediately in the event of hostilities within Great Britain, he will give some guidance to the employés in motor repair shops and garages, who are anxious to serve the country fully, as to whether they should remain at their work or register for undertaking munition work?

Mr. Assheton

The duty of these workers and of all others who wish to transfer to what they consider to be more urgent war work is to report at any Employment Exchange their willingness to transfer, together with particulars of their qualifications, and then to remain in their present jobs until asked by the Exchange to take up other employment. It is only in this way that the needs of urgent munitions work can be met without unduly impairing other services, including the road transport services, in which adequate personnel must be maintained as part of our combined war effort.

Sir G. Gibson

It was very difficult to hear the answer, but I think I caught the sense of it. I should like to know whether any public announcement has been made, so that the employés of motoring organisations throughout the country will know where their services are required, because at the moment they do not know?

Mr. Assheton

I am sorry if my hon. Friend could not hear my answer. It seems difficult to-day to make oneself heard. I hope that the answer given will convey to garage workers the information which the hon. Member wants them to have.