HC Deb 09 December 1943 vol 395 c1110
16. Major Sir Jocelyn Lucas

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the regional office of his Ministry at Reading have turned down the application of Roy Tallach and Raymond Ollett, of Portsmouth, who, with the consent of their parents, had volunteered for the mining industry, on the ground that they had no relatives living in the vicinity of the pit, although lodgings were available; and if he will take action to reverse this decision?

Mr. Bevin

These two boys are under 18 years old, and I find that their transfer to coalmining employment was suspended pending discussions about the conditions to be satisfied before boys of this age are transferred to coalmining employment outside their home district. I am giving instructions for the transfer of these two boys without delay.

Sir J. Lucas

Would not some form of supervision by local authorities enable those who volunteer for useful employment to do so?

Mr. Bevin

I am going into that with the Minister of Fuel and Power. The difficulty is that I have a responsibility for these people.