HC Deb 23 March 1944 vol 398 cc1013-4
4. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Minister of Labour if he will issue the necessary instructions to permit members of the British Red Cross Society to be considered as doing essential war work for the purpose of employment, in view of the repeated appeals made by the Government for nurses and helpers in hospitals to undertake semi-medical work.

Mr. Bevin

I understand that my hon. Friend has in mind certain administrative officers of the British Red Cross Society. I could not agree that such officers should be automatically reserved; they must be called for interview so that their position may be determined in the usual way in the light of individual circumstances.

Sir W. Smithers

Will the Minister give as much latitude as he can, because these public-spirited people cannot answer the appeals which the Government have made to them, unless their work is considered as essential?

Mr. Bevin

All that is taken into account at the interviews.