HC Deb 01 October 1942 vol 383 cc901-2
4. Captain Strickland

asked the Minister of Labour, whether his attention has been drawn to the postion of war workers, compulsorily transferred prior to 1st June, 1940, who are not entitled to the payment of subsistence allowance or the grant of cheap travel allowance to visit their homes and families, which are allowed to workers similarly transferred on or after that date; and why this distinction is made?

Mr. Bevin

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave on 4th June to my hon. Friend the Member for East Fife (Mr. Henderson Stewart), a copy of which I am sending him.

Captain Strickland

Will my right hon. Friend give fresh consideration to this matter; and can he indicate to the House whether men were transferred compulsorily before 1st June, 1940, and, if so, why this distinction is necessary in making the date so short a period from the outbreak of war?

Mr. Bevin

The Order dated from 1940, and there was so much movement throughout the country that it was impossible administratively to deal with it.

Captain Strickland

Was that movement compulsorily made or was it voluntarily made?

Mr. Bevin

It was voluntarily made.