§ 6. Major-General Sir Alfred Knoxasked the Minister of Labour how many men of military age are still retained as exempt at the headquarters and district offices of the Transport and General Workers Union; and what proportion these men bear to the total clerical staff?
§ Mr. BevinAs stated in reply to a previous Question asking for similar information about a private firm, I am not prepared to publish information of this kind in respect of individual undertakings or organisations.
§ Sir A. KnoxIs it not a fact that at the Finsbury Park offices of this union 50 per cent. of the employees are of military age? Would they not give better service if they joined the Fighting Services, and could not their work be equally well done by women?
§ Mr. BevinI have taken the line that when man-power boards deal with particular firms and organisations I accept their decisions, whether they apply to private firms or unions, and I do not bring their decisions into public discussion.
§ Sir A. KnoxSurely the right hon. Gentleman can inquire into this case and find out whether some men could be released?