HC Deb 02 November 1944 vol 404 cc933-4
7. Mr. Moelwyn Hughes

asked the Minister of Labour whether owners of one-man businesses are still being called up; whether he is satisfied that it is still essential to call up men of 34 years of age whose retention in their civilian work is recommended by the local tribunal; and on what work such men when called up are employed.

3. Mr. R. Morgan

asked the Minister of Labour whether owners of one-man businesses are still being called up; whether it is still essential to call up men of 34 years of age whose retention in their civilian work is recommended by the local tribunal; and on what work such men, when called up, are employed.

Mr. Bevin

The withdrawal of owners of one-man businesses for the Armed Forces or for other war work must continue subject to the normal safeguards with regard both to the national importance of their work, and to considerations of personal hardship. It is not possible to specify the many types of work for which persons may be required. I am not clear what my hon. Friends have in mind in the second part of the Question; perhaps they will let me have further particulars.

Mr. Hughes

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why, when the local tribunals have been deferring these men for three or four years, his Department should, at this stage of the war, think it necessary to take cases, in which the circumstances have not altered, to the umpire?

Mr. Bevin

Yes, certainly, Sir. The question of appeal to the umpire works both ways. If a question is decided by the hardship tribunal which conflicts with the umpire, it is my duty to get it cleared up.

Mr. Hughes

But is it not a fact that a decision whether the case goes to the umpire or not, rests with the right hon. Gentleman's Department?

Mr. Bevin

Yes, Sir, but I have to maintain a correct balance. If a certain number of citizens have been affected by the decision of an umpire, I cannot then begin to make exceptions when somebody else is affected by that decision.

Wing-Commander James

Can the Minister say whether we can look forward to an early relaxation of this type of call-up, which is very hard indeed at this stage of the war?

Mr. Bevin

I deprecate trying to deal with relaxation affecting particular classes. I have already made relaxation at the earliest possible moment for all people over 35, and I would rather proceed on a general line.

Mr. Quintin Hogg

Having regard to the long period of service overseas, does my right hon. Friend realise that some of us are not anxious that he should be overindulgent in this matter?