§ 44. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that there are highly skilled men, including many engineers, bricklayers, the Armed Forces, who are passing their time picking up paper, cooking, scrubbing floors and other fatigues; that there is growing concern over this among the engineers who are working with and training dilutees; that some hon. Members have visited Government Departments and had correspondence with Ministers with little effect; and will he consider the best steps 510 to deal with this problem and issue instructions so that the men's services and skill shall be utilised in the national interests?
§ Mr. AttleeThe question raised by the hon. Member is under constant review, and many thousands of tradesmen have already been transferred to arms where their skill can be employed. Thousands more have been released to civil life at the request of the Ministry of Labour. I would remind the hon. Member that the modern mechanised Army must have large numbers of tradesmen, who cannot all be employed at their trades when the Army is not in the field, but whose services are vital when fighting takes place and equipment needs quick adjustment or repair.
§ Mr. SmithWhile I accept the last part of the Reply, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether, in view of the growing uneasiness among engineers and other skilled men, and the fact that I am constantly receiving complaints from young men who have been doing this work, he will see that attention is given to this matter again?
§ Mr. AttleeThe matter is under the constant attention of the Ministers concerned.
§ Mr. GranvilleWill the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the fact that agricultural workers are not essential to grow food in the Army?