§ 4. Sir Reginald Clarryasked the Minister of Labour whether any steps are being taken to avoid the calling up for the Services of certain skilled operatives in the building industry who, in addition to per forming essential war work during the war, would form an essential labour nucleus for the resumption of rebuilding war- damaged houses immediately on the cessation of hostilities?
§ Mr. BevinNo, Sir; there will remain a nucleus of men for the purpose my hon. Friend has in mind after the industry has supplied its quota of men for the needs of the Forces.
§ Sir R. ClarryMay I assume that the men will not be called up indiscriminately? May I have an assurance from-the right hon. Gentleman that discrimination will be permitted, particularly on the part of the employers?
§ Mr. BevinI do not know what my hon. Friend has in mind. They will be called up in accordance with the general rule dealing with the call to the Forces.
§ Lieutenant ButcherWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the importance of starting housing, particularly in the rural areas?
§ Mr. BevinYes, Sir, but I have also to keep in mind that before we can do that we must find sufficient men to win the war.
§ 5. Sir R. Clarryasked the Minister of Labour, whether, in his recent special call-up of 28,000 key operatives, born in June, 1910, in the building and civil 1276 engineering industries, adequate consideration has been given to the slowing up of vital and urgent constructional Government work; and whether the Government Departments concerned are being consulted and have agreed to the delayed completion of their contracts?
§ Mr. BevinYes, Sir. These arrangements have been approved by the Government as a necessary part of the programme of recruitment for the Forces after careful consideration of the manpower requirements for constructional work.