38. Mr. Fraserasked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many applications for release from the Forces for coalmining he has received since the present scheme for comb-out was announced; how many he has recommended to the War Office; and how many have since been released.
Major Lloyd GeorgeI regret that the information asked for in the first part of the Question is not readily available but up to 1st February, 1944, 4,789 applications for the release of ex-underground workers were sent to the War Office under the present comb-out arrangements. The results are as follows:
On release at 1st February, 1944 2,448 Released and subsequently recalled 75 Rejected by the War Office 1,416 Under consideration by the War Office at 1st February, 1944 850
Mr. FraserIs the Minister satisfied that he is getting the number of ex-miners to return that he anticipated when he made the announcement five or six months ago?
§ Mr. BowlesIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that since the Prime Minister and I discussed this matter across the Floor last week I have had 65 applications? Is there any truth in the statement in a good deal of the national Press yesterday that ex-miners were to have the chance of going back to the pits if they chose?
§ Mr. BowlesThen the statements in the Press yesterday were not true?
§ Mr. J. J. LawsonCan the Minister give any indication why 1,400 were refused release?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI cannot give the details, but in some cases the reason would be age limitation, or because they 1618 were key men. There are many reasons which I can give the hon. Gentleman if he will give me time.