HC Deb 15 April 1943 vol 388 cc1355-6
2. Mr. Ness Edwards

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the widespread resentment in the district covered by the Leicestershire Mines Association at the action of the National Service Officer in prosecuting a young colliery surface worker employed at the Ellistown Colliery for refusing a direction to be engaged for underground work; that the young worker desired to be released for the Army and in consequence was sentenced to three months' hard labour; and whether he will reconsider his general policy and, in particular, allow this young man to join the Army?

The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Bevin)

On the recommendation of the Ministry of Fuel and Power the National Service Officer directed the young worker in question to take up underground haulage work at the Ellistown Colliery. He appealed unsuccessfully against the direction to the local appeal board, and the direction was accordingly confirmed. As he refused to obey the direction, he was prosecuted. With regard to the last part of the Question, I would refer to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Burslem (Mr. MacLaren) on 18th March.

Mr. Edwards

Do I take it from that, that the right hon. Gentleman is considering a change in the general policy? If so, will he also take into consideration provision for consultation with the pit production committees, who know the local circumstances and the men?

Mr. Bevin

In the original set-up for this business, the pit production committees were brought in, but it was at the request of the Miners' Federation that they were left out, and the responsibility was then undertaken by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power, for whom I act as agent.

Mr. Edwards

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a very great deal of dissatisfaction about this matter, and that a lot of bitterness is growing up? Will he have another look at the problem?

Mr. Bevin

I have explained in the answer to the previous Question that I am agent for the Minister of Fuel and Power in this business. If the Miners' Federation will deal with my right hon. Friend, whatever changes he wishes to make I will carry out.