§ 55. Major C. S. Taylorasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether men serving with the R.N. are permitted to volunteer for work in the coalmines.
Mr. AlexanderMen who are serving temporarily in the Royal Navy and who have had recent experience as mineworkers may volunteer for work in the coal mines and are released for such work unless they belong to one of the exceptionally important branches such as aircrew. Men without previous coalmine experience may volunteer for release for training in colliery work if they joined the Navy on or before gist December, 1940, and were born in 1910 or later: release in this category depends on the man's branch and the rating he holds.
§ Major TaylorWhen there are a number who wish to join the Royal Navy but are sent down as Bevin boys into the mines, is it not a pity that those who wish to volunteer for the mines from the Navy, should not be allowed to do so?
§ Mr. SpeakerThat is an argument and not a question.