HC Deb 19 October 1943 vol 392 cc1198-9
25. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the recommendation of the President of the Board of Trade, recently made in connection with a skilled tradesman of a low medical category, Gunner A. Attwood, No. 1114618, that this man's services are urgently required for boot repairing in a rural district, he will give an assurance that this man's case will be reconsidered?

Sir J. Grigg

This case was carefully considered in July along with other recommendations for releases from various Government Departments. An appeal will of course be considered if it is put forward by the Board of Trade, but unless additional factors of considerable weight are produced I regret that I can hold out little hope of the release of this man, who is 27½ and has been usefully employed in the Army for 2½ years.

Mr. De lit Bère

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this case has been under consideration since last May arid that the President of the Board of Trade sent down representatives to investigate it and then put in a written recommendation; and is he aware that the area where this man's services are required is one of the greatest food producing districts in this country?

Sir J. Grigg

The machinery for these releases is under a Departmental Committee on which the Ministry of Labour are represented as well as the Service Departments and other Departments concerned. I am under a pledge to the Minister of Labour that applications for release will not be considered except on the recommendation of this Committee.

Mr. De la Bère

Is it not extraordinary that a recommendation of a Minister of the Crown can be overruled by a Sub-Committee at the War Office?