HC Deb 09 October 1941 vol 374 cc1093-5
12. Lieutenant Butcher

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in cases where young women leave their employment for service in the Women's Royal Naval Service, the Auxiliary Territorial Service or the Women's Auxiliary Air Force, or under his direction for work of national importance, he proposes to direct the employer to re-employ such workers at the conclusion of such service?

Mr. Bevin

I have no power to issue such directions.

Lieutenant Butcher

Will the Minister bear in mind that if such an assurance concerning reinstatement were available, it might have a very considerable effect in accelerating the recruitment of young women for the Services?

Mr. Bevin

Yes, Sir, I have given a great deal of study to this, but it is almost impossible to embody really effective administrative provisions in an Act of Parliament. The Government are giving consideration to the questions that will arise on the demobilisation of the Forces and of the people who have been transferred, and up to the moment the only satisfactory solution which is deemed to be likely to be successful is that where these disturbances have taken place, there should be certain general social obligations.

Lieutenant Butcher

Is the Minister aware that it will be the desire of good employers to reinstate these people, and will he consider whether there is some means of compulsion that could be applied to employers who do not come within that category?

Mr. Bevin

Certainly, we shall study this matter in all its aspects. The concentration of industry and many other things sometimes make it difficult to know whether the employer is in fact there. One cannot find a substitute for the acceptance of a general social obligation.

Mr. Lipson

Is there any greater difficulty in giving this direction in regard to young women than in giving it to young men, who are to be reinstated?

Mr. Shinwell

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the principle was embodied in the Military Service Act which was passed by the House some three and a half years ago, and in which provision was made for compensation if reinstatement was not made?

Mr. Bevin

I am aware of what was done in that Act, and I have studied the matter on that basis. The worst thing the House could do would be to find some loose legislation which, when it came to be carried out, would not prove to be effective. I am bound to say that the way in which my mind is moving is that there should be a general social obligation of some kind.