§ 34. Sir Leonard Lyleasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the serious shortage of doctors now available for the civilian population, he will allow the maximum leniency with regard to the calling-up of their essential staffs, such as dispensing and surgical assistants and secretaries?
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Tomlinson)Arrangements have already been made for safeguarding essential female staff employed by doctors. Qualified dispensers are not being withdrawn from their employment and applications for the deferment or retention of secretaries and other 632 assistants are considered individually in the light of their qualifications and the possibility of effecting adequate substitution.
§ Sir L. LyleIs there not already a very serious situation occurring with regard to the call-up of doctors, and will it not grow even worse, as was the case with the call-up of miners for the Forces?
§ Mr. TomlinsonIt is precisely because of those circumstances that the procedure outlined is to be taken.
§ Sir Francis FremantleIs there any appeal from a decision given against deferment of the secretaries?
§ Mr. TomlinsonNo, Sir, not in the ordinary way, but there is always an appeal to the Minister himself in the event of an obvious mistake having been made.