HC Deb 28 July 1942 vol 382 cc311-3
80. Mr. Buchanan

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the number of women who have been transferred from Scotland to England for work on munitions by his Department; and whether he is aware that a number transferred, or about to be transferred, have been trained in the Stow College and could get equally important work locally but are not allowed to take such work?

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Tomlinson)

The number of women transferred from Scotland to England since April, 1941, when the Registration for Employment Order came into force, until the end of June, 1942, is 7,793. This figure includes women outside registration age and trainees. Women trainees from Stow College who are mobile are sent to priority jobs in areas where the shortage of workers is most acute. Local vacancies are filled by immobile women who cannot leave home.

81. Mr. Buchanan

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a Miss Konopate, 151, Rutherglen Road, Glasgow, applied to the local tribunal against the decisions proposing to transfer her to England for work; that her mother is in far from good health, having been injured by an air-raid when her home was damaged; that Miss Konopate's only two brothers are serving with His Majesty's forces; and, as her transfer will leave the mother at home alone, will he reverse this decision which is causing serious concern?

Mr. Tomlinson

This decision was given by the hardship tribunal and cannot be altered by my right hon. Friend. He is arranging, however, to have the matter brought by appeal before the umpire who is the final authority.

Mr. Buchanan

Is my hon. Friend aware that in this case the girl's mother was severely injured during a blitz, and ought not these tribunals to be much more sympathetic?

Mr. Tomlinson

It is because all these facts have been brought to the notice of my right hon. Friend that he is appealing to the umpire.

Mr. Buchanan

I give notice, in view of the terrible treatment meted out to this and similar cases, that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment. It is becoming a farce, as was the "genuinely seeking employment" Regulation in the old days.

Mr. Maxton rose

—

Mr. Speaker

Notice has already been given that this matter will be raised on the Adjournment.