§ 4. Captain Lyonsasked the Secretary for Mines, in view of the position of coal supplies and distribution, what arrangement or co-ordination exists between his department and the Ministry of National Service and the War Office for the utilisation in the industry of persons normally employed therein and recommended for retention by him.
§ Mr. GrenfellReservation from service in the Forces, or deferment of calling-up for the Forces, is regulated by general principles which are decided after general discussion between all the Departments concerned. As regards release of individual men already in the Forces, the Department responsible for their industry may make recommendations, but the final decision rests with the Service concerned.
§ Captain LyonsMay I ask whether the hon. Gentleman has any power at all, in cases where he thinks the retention of a man is fundamentally important to the national interest, to take a stand and get the matter adjusted, or is he going to leave the wastage of man-power entirely in the hands of the Ministry of Labour and National Service?
§ Mr. GrenfellI have already given the answer that the final decision does not rest with me.
§ Captain LyonsHas not the hon. Gentleman sought any powers in this matter, because there is wastage in this nationally fundamental industry?
§ Mr. GrenfellI have made recommendations, but I am not responsible for the balance of general considerations, and there are other considerations which might outweigh the recommendation I make.
§ Captain LyonsMay I ask the hon. Gentleman whether, in a case which he knows of where the excuse was given that the man was wanted for motor-driving service and in which he satisfied himself that that was quite inaccurate, he had any power to take any steps in the matter whatever?