HC Deb 21 September 1943 vol 392 cc27-8
67. Sir Reginald Clarry

asked the Minister without Portfolio what progress has been made in the plans and arrangements for ensuring employment for demobilised servicemen on the cessation of hostilities in Europe?

Sir W. Jowitt

The number of men who can be released from military service on the cessation of hostilities in Europe must clearly depend on the future course of events in the various theatres of war. It has already been made plain that in the event of the war against Japan continuing after hostilities have come to an end in Europe we shall prosecute that war to the utmost of our ability, and no doubt this will involve heavy and continuing demands upon our man-power, both for the Armed Forces and for war production. I do not anticipate any lack of demand for the services of all who are not required for that further effort and are available for productive work, whether on demobilisation from the Forces or on release from war work, provided that orderly arrangements are made for the rapid conversion to peace-time production of such industrial resources as are no longer needed for the manufacture of munitions. Close and continuous attention is being given to this matter.

Mr. Bellenger

In view of the conflicting statements that have been made by members of His Majesty's Government on this issue, will the right hon. and learned Gentleman take steps to give an authoritative statement to the House as to what plans are being made for the ordinary demobilisation of Service men and their employment as soon as it becomes possible?

Sir W. Jowitt

Perhaps my hon. Friend will put a question down about that, and I will certainly consider it.

Commander Sir Archibald Southby

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman take steps to ensure that when demobilisation does come very special consideration will be given to the case of men who have been called up or have joined up for service in the Army and have thereby lost the whole of their businessess, which very often have taken years to build up?

Sir W. Jowitt

Certainly, Sir, that is one of the matters we shall take into consideration.

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