HC Deb 11 February 1941 vol 368 cc1202-3
8. Mr. Robert Gibson

asked the Secretary of State for War how many skilled engineers, and how many skilled capstan turners, respectively, are employed in the Army, and the Royal Army Ordinance Corps, respectively, solely for dishwashing and small fatigue purposes; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure that these skilled men are put to the work in which they can best help the war effort?

Captain Margesson

I cannot give any figures in reply to the first part of the Question, but all soldiers have to take their turn at duties of the kind mentioned. Every possible step is being taken to make the best use in the Army of skilled men. Instructions were issued some months ago that any soldier with special qualifications who was not already mustered as a tradesman should submit particulars through his commanding officer to the War Office. Thousands of applications have been received, and large numbers of men either have been mustered as tradesmen or are now undergoing training at technical establishments. The scheme is being continued and extended, and any soldier with technical qualifications can apply for trade testing.

Mr. Gibson

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that when a man is reduced on medical inspection from Category A to Category C, he is put on to fatigue duties that do not bring into play his skilled experience? Will the Minister take steps to see that when a man is so reduced in category he will be given the opportunity at once to be put on to work where he will be able to assist in the war effort?

Captain Margesson

That is what my answer said. I said that all soldiers have to take their turn at duties of the kind mentioned by the hon. Member, but that we are doing our best to muster tradesmen and that there have been thousands of applications for these specialised jobs.

Mr. Gibson

My Supplementary Question was rather directed to the cases of men who are reduced in medical category, because these men are then put continuously on such fatigue duties? Will the Minister look into that matter?