§ 12. Sir John Mellorasked the Minister of Labour whether the result of the draw, on the occasion of each ballot for compulsory coalmining, will be published forthwith so that members of the J.T.C. may know their position?
§ Mr. BevinNo, Sir; since there are going to be frequent ballots, the publication of the number or numbers drawn would cause confusion and would mislead many men who are not for the time being on the register for calling up to the Forces, because, for example, their calling up is deferred or postponed and they are, therefore, not within the field of the ballot. Each man picked out for coalmining as a result of the ballot will receive notice of the fact very shortly afterwards.
§ Sir J. MellorIs it fair to keep boys training for the Forces in their spare time when there is a strong probability that they will go into the mines?
§ Mr. BevinOh, yes. I think the training for the Forces is of a character, physical and mental, that does not detract from their ability to work in the mines.