HC Deb 21 October 1943 vol 392 cc1485-6
16. Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Gravesend Co-operative Society engaged Leonard George Stevens, a man of low medical category, to replace another employee already called up for the Forces, but have failed to induce the local manpower board to regard him as essential in his present job of butcher and cutter driving a travelling motor shop in rural areas, although he is the only employee engaged in that class of work; that his employers have failed to secure a substitute for him if he is removed, and it is now suggested that he become an employee of N.A.A.F.I.; and whether, in view of the increase in the transport of customers if this travelling shop is abandoned, he will consider granting further if not complete deferment to this man?

Mr. Bevin

A letter was sent to my hon. Friend on 16th October explaining the reasons why further deferment cannot be given in this case.

Mr. Davies

Does not my right hon. Friend think that this man is doing quite as essential work where he is? If he is taken away from his present job several hundreds of his customers in rural areas will have to travel into the towns to do their shopping.

Mr. Bevin

That does not follow; a substitute may be found. The man-power board have to deal with the case on its merits, and I cannot interfere.

Mr. Davies

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I shall raise this issue on the Adjournment.