HC Deb 09 October 1941 vol 374 cc1090-1
6. Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has now concluded his inquiries into the case of John Irwin, a coal-bagger, employed by the Westhoughton Industrial Co-operative Society, directed to return to work in a coal mine; and, if so, with what results?

Mr. Bevin

Mr. Irwin has appealed against the direction to return to coalmining employment at the Wigan Junction Colliery, and his case is to be considered by the Appeal Board on 10th October. As soon as a decision has been reached, I will communicate with my hon. Friend.

Mr. Davies

In view of my right hon. Friend's statement in the Debate on manpower yesterday about the distributive trades, may I take it that he will look into the desperate situation of shopkeepers and distributors of coal, bread and milk, and allow them to retain some of their staffs?

Mr. Bevin

I am doing that. I have been in consultation with the distributive trades, but I should like the help of the House to assist me when I have to call up from other trades.

Mr. Gordon Macdonald

In giving instructions to men who are ex-miners to return to the mines, will my right hon. Friend not discriminate too much as to where the men come from?

Mr. Bevin

We have not discriminated. In view of the urgency of the coal situation, the main task has been to get the men back to the mines.