HC Deb 08 February 1944 vol 396 cc1619-20
46. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Lord President of the Council if he has considered the letters sent to him by the hon. Member for West Fife regarding conscription of lads for the mines; and if the demand therein that conscription for National Service be for a service which is national has been accepted.

The Lord President of the Council (Mr. Attlee)

Yes, Sir. As I informed the hon. Member, men and women have been directed into various occupations, including those under private enterprise, during the past three years. No new principle is involved in directing youths into the mines.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister incapable of understanding the difference—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."]—between an agreement made by employers and trade unions with the Government for the transfer of a man from one job to another job of the same kind, and a decision to conscript men for national purposes, and then to hand them over to private employers? Is it not the case that conscription for national service demands that the service should be national, and is the Minister prepared to face up to this matter? May I have an answer to my Question? In that case, in view of the inarticulate attitude of the Minister, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter at a convenient opportunity.