32. Major Vyvyan Adamsasked the Minister of Labour whether firms conducting work which they deem to be of national importance in the building industry should apply for registration as protected establishments on Form NS 169; if so, when these forms will be available; whether he will undertake that, till they are so available, firms and their employés will not be prejudiced; and, if the matter is to be dealt with under the Essential Work Order, whether merchant stockholding is covered by its language where it refers to any process, operation or manufacture incidental to, or necessary for, the carrying out of any of the said activities?
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Assheton)The effect of registration as a protected 1203 establishment is to secure reservation of men for whom there is a dual age of reservation at the lower of the two ages. The proposed dual age for building trade operatives has been cancelled and the present single age of reservation is to remain in force. Accordingly, Group 4, relating to the building trades, has been deleted from the Schedule, and the corresponding forms N.S. 169 are not necessary and will not be issued. If building employers employ men other than building trade operatives who are in dual age occupations affected at Stage B, it is open to them, as it is for any other employer, to apply on form N.S. 168 for admission to the register under Group 2, provided that they are qualified to do so by reason of their Government contracts. The Essential Work Order has no effect in relation to reservation for military service.
§ Mr. AsshetonThe answer to the last part of the Question is that the Essential Work Order has no effect in relation to reservation for military service.