§ 2. Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Miss Gearing, employed in the food preserving department of the Woolwich Co-operative Society, was directed by his local officers to other employment; that she has since married a man serving in the Royal Navy; that, owing to pressure from his local officers, she is now employed in the Royal Arsenal; that she has an aged father and mother at home for whom she is responsible and that the hardship committee is still dealing with her claim for deferment on the basis of her original registration as a single person; and will he take steps to remedy this?
§ Mr. E. BevinAs Miss Gearing is now married, she is no longer subject to liability under the National Service Acts and does not require the renewal of her postponement certificate by the hardship committee. I assume, however, that she is in employment which is scheduled under the Essential Work Order. If she wishes to leave this employment, she must obtain the permission of the National Service officer; as my hon. Friend knows, there is an appeal to the Appeal Board if this permission is refused.
§ Mr. DaviesWhile thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask whether he and his Department will give serious consideration to the removal of persons in food preservation to other work? Does it not occur to the right hon. Gentleman that food preservation is most important at the present time?
§ Mr. BevinI have to hold the balance. I have said in this House before, in reply to other hon. Members, that I can give no undertakings to anybody. I have to adjust things from day to day according to the priorities of war production.