§ 4. Mr. Wakefieldasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the hindrance to war production due to the fact that optical workers are still being called up into the Army, where no use is made of their special knowledge, whereas war workers are without spectacles, causing inefficiency of production; and whether he will temporarily defer calling up these workers?
§ Mr. BevinAs stated in my reply on 4th February to the hon. and gallant Member for King's Norton (Major Peto), my Department is in close touch with the Ministry of Supply and the Ministry of Health on the question of safeguarding labour in the optical industry. Deferment of calling up of workers engaged in this industry is not refused without consultation with those Departments.
§ Mr. WakefieldWill the right hon. Gentleman consider obtaining the release of some men now in the Army, so that industrial workers can have their glasses? Production is being seriously interfered with through men and women not having glasses and being unable to do their work properly?
§ Mr. BevinThe circumstances of the war are such that I am afraid there is very little chance of getting men out of the Army. The obligations of the services are so great.