§ 48. Squadron-Leader Donnerasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that until recent months students have been allowed to complete the course at Lough-borough Engineering College, Leicestershire; that young men of 18 years, completing their course next July, are now being called up for General Service, not as engineers, in the Army; and whether he will defer such calling-up to enable these young men to take their diploma.
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Isaacs)Until this year, students at Loughborough College were deferred in order that they might be allocated, on the completion of their training, to take technical commissions in the Services or important posts in connection with the production of munitions of war. On the termination of hostilities it became desirable to reduce the number of students attending science courses, and accordingly, a proportion of the students at colleges including Lough-borough College were not granted deferment by the Joint Recruiting Board. I regret I am unable to continue the deferment of these young men, but I am arranging to notify the Service Departments of their technical qualifications.
§ Squadron-Leader DonnerWill the right hon. Gentleman agree that this indifference towards the young men who are on the point of taking their diploma next summer is most unfair?
§ Mr. IsaacsI cannot agree with that, because, after all is said and done, there are men in the Services who want to complete their time and get out.
§ Squadron-Leader DonnerDoes not the Minister agree that the lives and the future of these young men are involved?
§ Mr. IsaacsNo more than those of the men who have already served six years.