§ 26. Mr. Goronwy Robertsasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the hardship caused to men who transfer from the Services to industry after being invited to volunteer to do so and who thereby lose their place in the rota for demobilisation to a considerable degree; and what he proposes to do about this matter.
§ Mr. IsaacsIt is a principle of the release scheme that the only service counting for priority of release shall be full-time service with the Colours. To regard work performed under ordinary civilian conditions as service which can be counted for priority of release would be inconsistent with this principle, would create anomalies and would be unfair to other members of the Armed Forces.
§ Mr. RobertsCan the Minister say whether the position of R.A.F. personnel loaned to the Ministry of Aircraft Production is under consideration?
§ Mr. IsaacsI would call my hon. Friend's attention to the fact that this matter as it relates to the Royal Air Force was fully discussed in the Debate on the Adjournment on 18th April, when the Joint Under-Secretary of State replied at length.
§ Mr. John LewisWere not these men promised at the time of volunteering that their service in industry would be counted as war service?
§ Mr. IsaacsThe question whether there was a promise in that sense or not was one of the subjects discussed in the Debate to which I have referred. If the hon. Member will look at that Debate, I think he will get some guidance from it.
§ Mr. StephenIs my right hon. Friend aware that there has been a change of Government and that we are looking for a very different policy from this Government?
§ Mr. IsaacsWhatever changes in policy there may be, there will not be a policy 764 which will create unfairness between one member of the Services and another.