HC Deb 16 December 1943 vol 395 c1658
6. Mr. Lipson

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will arrange that the medical examination of youths liable to be conscripted for coalmining shall include examination by a psychologist, who will decide whether they are temperamentally suited or not for work of this kind, before their names are subjected to the ballot?

Mr. Bevin

No, Sir. It would not be practicable to submit all men who are examined under the National Service Acts to a special psychological examination directed to temperamental fitness for coal-mining. Men selected for direction to coalmining will be given a further medical examination if they so request.

Mr. Lipson

In view of the trouble that has been caused in the mines in the past by compelling those who were unsuited to the work to undertake it, does the Minister not think it would be just as well to be wise in time and take such steps as I have indicated, as there is otherwise the danger of trouble from the other miners?

Mr. Bevin

I have never yet accepted psychologists as people with supreme wisdom.

Mr. Lipson

Very short-sighted.

Mr. George Griffiths

No. It is the hon. Member who is short-sighted.