§ 12. Mr. Dribergasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the impending call-up of pipe-fitters under 30 years of age is likely to impede essential production; and whether he will take steps to ensure that workers in this category will not be called up while there is urgent skilled work for them to do in the shipbuilding and other war industries?
§ Mr. BevinThe occupation of pipe-fitter, other than boiler pipe-fitter, is among the occupations in respect of which deferment of calling-up may no longer be granted to men who were below 30 years of age at registration under the National Service Acts. These occupations were selected, in consultation with the Government Departments concerned, as being those from which young men could more readily be released for service with 590 the Forces, and the occupation of pipe-fitter was included with due regard to the needs of the shipbuilding and other war industries for men in that occupation.
§ Mr. DribergWill the right hon. Gentleman consider deferring these men beyond the end of March in districts where there do not appear to be any pipe-fitters over 30, and where they are needed for essential war work?
§ Mr. BevinI cannot alter the decision now. It is all part of the man-power survey that has been made.
§ Mr. ThorneI take it that this includes plumbers? There is always a shortage of plumbers during frosty weather. Could they be left until the very frosty weather has passed?