HC Deb 23 September 1943 vol 392 cc387-9
53. Sir Arnold Gridley

asked the Minister without Portfolio whether in view of the probable inadequacy of coal production after the cessation of hostilities to meet the needs of this and other European countries and of the need for immediately resuming the business of exporting coal, it has been decided to give the miners serving in the forces the highest priority in plans for demobilisation?

54. Mr. Bellenger

asked the Minister without Portfolio whether His Majesty's Government have come to any decision on plans for the demobilisation and resettlement in civil life of non-regular members of the Armed Forces at the conclusion of hostilities; and, if so, whether the House can be given an indication of the general framework of such plans?

Sir W. Jowitt

On 1st December last I announced that the broad principle on which the Government had drawn up plans for demobilisation was that discharge would be based in the main on age and length of service. On 22nd April, in response to pressure from hon. Members for special weight to be given for service overseas, I undertook that this aspect should be further considered and a general re-examination of the demobilisation plan is now proceeding. We fully appreciate the post-war needs of particular industries, such as the mining industry, but it has to be borne in mind that demands for priority for special groups of workers, if pressed too far, might endanger the general principles of a scheme based on age and length of service. Definite conclusions, however, have not yet been reached. The question of resettlement is mainly within the province of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service, who is engaged in working out plans to deal with the matter.

Mr. Bellenger

But does not the Minister understand that what the men and women in the Forces want is more knowledge of the Government's plans as to their future? Will he take an early opportunity of consulting Members of this House, who are the elected representatives of these people, so that we shall know whether one Minister who says, "First in, first out," is right or whether another Minister who says, "Age and length of service," is right?

Sir W. Jowitt

Certainly, I anticipate that this House will be consulted, but there is the rather difficult question of timing. We do not want at the present moment to create the impression that the war is won, or even nearly won, by embarking on a discussion on demobilisation, but when we can settle the question of timing the House, I hope, will be consulted.

Sir H. Williams

Then the declaration made the other day by the Minister of Labour and National Service was not authorised and does not represent the final conclusions of His Majesty's Government?

Sir W. Jowitt

I have not seen the full report of what my right hon. Friend said, but I should imagine that he was drawing attention to the fact that the scheme so far prepared was based primarily on age and length of service.

Mr. Bellenger

In view of the desire not to have a discussion on this matter now, will the Minister try to induce his colleagues in the Government not to make statements like that which was made by the Minister of Labour the other day."

Major Petherick

Is it not obviously premature to consider demobilisation plans before there is knowledge as to exactly in what order the war will end and precisely the number of troops who may be needed for the Army of Occupation in Germany?

Mr. Shinwell

On the question of Government pronouncements on this subject, will my right hon. and learned Friend bear in mind the fact that although some Members may not desire a definite pronouncement, men in the Forces are very anxious to know what is to happen?

Sir W. Jowitt

We quite appreciate that.

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