§ 26. Mr. Molsonasked the Minister of Labour how many men have been called up from the building trades for service in the armed forces since 31st March, 400 1944; and how many of them are in the constructional companies of the Pioneer Corps.
§ Mr. BevinSo far as can be ascertained the number of men in building and civil engineering occupations who have been posted to the Forces since 31st March, 1944, is 10,371. These men were posted to the Navy, Army and Air Force, and I cannot say how many of them are now in constructional companies of the Pioneer Corps.
Mr. MatsonWould the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the Secretary of State for War to see whether it would be possible for some of these men to be released for work in bomb-damaged areas?
§ Mr. BevinI cannot do that. If I take these men out of the Army, I have to call-up an equal number from another strained industry. Most of these men are young men and essential to the Army. I must keep certain trade sections in the Services and I would have thought that my hon. Friend would have realised this during the advance through Holland.
§ Mr. McEnteeIs the Minister aware that, at the present time, instructions are still with the local employment exchanges for the calling-up of slaters and tilers; and in view of the fact that we cannot provide cover for people who have been bombed out, does he not think that these people should not be called up?
§ Mr. BevinI do not know whether I have any instructions for slaters and tilers, but there are no slaters or tilers to call up anywhere.
§ Mr. McEnteeWell, there are, and they were being called up as recently as yesterday.