§ 4. Mr. Manderasked the Minister of Labour why Mr. Alan Southan, of 7, Temple Square, Willenhall, an industrial chemist, was kept without employment for eight weeks, no employment being offered to him; and whether he will take steps to see that such waste of man-power does not occur in future?
§ Mr. BevinOn registration under the National Service Acts Mr. Alan Southan was under 25 years of age, and when he left his previous employment on 23rd April, 1943, his deferment from military service was accordingly cancelled. He applied for a commission with His Majesty's Forces and was accepted subject to medical examination, which took place on 21st May. He was medically reexamined on 28th May and referred to a specialist, on whose report, dated 11th June, a decision on his medical grading was postponed for six months. Particulars of Mr. Southan's qualifications were then submitted to a Royal Ordnance factory, where he took up employment on 21st June.
§ Mr. ManderIs it not a fact that he was doing nothing during this time, and is it not rather regrettable?
§ Mr. BevinIf a person applies for a commission and a medical category is involved, it is very difficult for me to put him in work until I know the final decision.
§ Sir Patrick HannonOn a question of procedure, is it not a waste of Parliamentary time to put a Question like this on the Order Paper? Would it not be better in a matter of this kind to have dealt with it through the Minister?
§ Mr. ManderOn a point of Order. Is not a Member entitled to speak up for his constituents?