§ 2. Mr. Fosterasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the position of injured workmen in the mining industry when certified fit for suitable light employment and when work is not found by the employer the workman is being released from the industry by National Service officers; that in those cases where release has been refused, or a period of time elapses before release is granted, payment of the guaranteed wages has been refused under the Essential Work (Mining Industry) Orders, on the grounds that the injured workman is not fit for his usual employment; and will he take steps to remedy this position.
§ Mr. BevinI am aware that there have been a few cases where hardship has arisen in the circumstances described in the Question, and I am considering what steps can be taken to avoid such cases arising in future.
§ Mr. FosterCannot my right hon. Friend take some steps through the National Service Officers to prevent employers obtaining the release of these injured workmen, and by that means getting rid of their liability in respect of compensation and rehabilitation or a return to work?
§ Mr. BevinMy hon. Friend will appreciate that I really act in this business as an agent for the Minister of Fuel and Power, but I will go into it with him and see what can be done.
§ 6. Mr. Thomas Fraserasked the Minister of Labour if he is satisfied that when miners are released from the industry on medical grounds it is made sufficiently clear whether the release is temporary or permanent; whether he is aware many of these miners have now been called to the 2107 services; and will he take steps to ensure that when both the employer and the employee are satisfied as to the man's fitness to render a useful service in the mining industry and a job can be found, such person will not be called to the Forces.
§ Mr. BevinA miner who is not permanently unfit for coalmining, may be transferred temporarily to other employment under a definite and clearly explained arrangement with him and his previous and prospective employers for him to return to coal-mining when fit. Such cases are kept under review, and a man would not be called up to the Forces, if coal-mining employment for which he was medically fit were available. If my hon. Friend knows of any cases of miners who are only temporarily unfit being called up to the Forces, I should be glad to have particulars in order that I may make inquiry.
§ Mr. FraserIs my right hon. Friend not aware that I have myself had several cases before his Department where miners are not satisfied that they are permanently unfit; and would it not be a very good thing to make the fullest use of these men with coalmining experience?
§ Mr. R. J. TaylorDoes not my right hon. Friend think that a miner who has been doing high-grade work but who, owing to an accident, is unfit to do that work, could still do useful work on a lower grade?
§ Mr. BevinAgain I would point out that the question of the placing of the men is a matter for the Minister of Fuel and Power, but I will take this question up, equally with the one I answered just now, and look into it.