HC Deb 23 May 1940 vol 361 cc281-2
10. Sir Irving Albery

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour to what extent the schedule of reserved occupations prevents unemployed men, who usually follow a reserved occupation, from volunteering for the Services?

Mr. Assheton

It has been decided that in general, any man who has been unemployed for two months shall be at liberty to volunteer as a member of any of the Services of National Defence notwithstanding any restrictions in the Schedule of Reserved Occupations.

Sir Robert Young

Will my hon. Friend say when it was decided?

Mr. Assheton

I am announcing the decision now.

Mr. Lyons

Can my hon. Friend say whether that statement which he has just made has been communicated to his representatives who are at the recruiting offices?

Mr. Assheton

Any decision that is definitely come to is naturally communicated to our officers immediately.

12. Mr. Robert Gibson

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour whether he will consider placing qualified solicitors, who are carrying on business as such, in the same category in relation to reserved occupation as accountants and qualified solicitors employed as managing clerks?

Mr. Assheton

The question of the reservation of solicitors under the Schedule of Reserved Occupations is at present under consideration.

Mr. Gibson

Do I take it that there is no real reason in substance why solicitors in business themselves should not be in the same category as qualified solicitors who are acting as managing clerks?

Mr. Assheton

The Minister is to-day receiving a deputation from the Law Society, and I would rather not add anything to my answer at this stage.