HC Deb 11 December 1941 vol 376 cc1650-1
8. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Minister of Labour why, at a time when the Government is taking powers to raise age limits and increase the number of men and women in the National Service, the staff of 250 girls, employed in Government work at a factory, of which he has been informed, were put on the Employment Exchange; and will he say what action he proposes to take?

Mr. Bevin

The question of the issue of contracts to a particular firm is a matter for the Supply Department concerned. In present circumstances, any labour surplus to essential requirements should be transferred to vital war employment to meet the large and urgent demands that now exist.

Sir W. Smithers

In view of the fact that this firm has been established 100 years and is a trade unit, and that in the last 11 months it has turned out 250,000 garments for the Forces, is it not deplorable that it should be disbanded?

Mr. Bevin

If it is a matter of issuing contracts, I think the question should be addressed to the Minister of Supply.

Sir Herbert Williams

Does not the Minister in his capacity as Chairman of the Production Council make sure that the Supply Departments are not guilty of mistakes of this sort?

10. Mr. Hannah

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in conscripting women, it will be the policy to interfere as little as possible with the careers of students, especially at the universities?

Mr. Bevin

Yes, Sir.

Miss Rathbone

In view of the anxiety among parents and students concerning the position, will my right hon. Friend consider making a fuller statement so that they may know whether all students will be reserved until they have finished their courses or whether it depends on the nature of their subjects and the stage they have reached in their studies?

Mr. Bevin

They will be dealt with in exactly the same way as other students under the previous Act.

Mr. George Griffiths

Did not Mr. Ince explain this very fully over the wireless the other night?

Mr. Bevin

I was so busy that I did not listen to him.

Mr. Kirkwood

Is there any reason why students should have preferential treatment over the rest of the workers?