HC Deb 08 February 1945 vol 407 c2202
18. Mr. Mainwaring

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will arrange that, in districts where redundancy of labour is already in evidence or likely to occur in the near future, persons seeking release from the operations of the Essential Work Order will not unduly be refused permission to leave their present jobs in order to return to business or former occupation; and will he discuss this point with other Government Departments affected.

Mr. Bevin

While the needs of war production and of essential services are still so pressing it is not possible to alter the present practice. I would remind my hon. Friend that national service officers take account of all relevant considerations when considering individual applications to leave scheduled employment on grounds of hardship.

Mr. Mainwaring

Does not my right hon. Friend appreciate the difficulty which arises in a district where such a situation exists, of justifying the retention of some people in work, and the retention of others on unemployment benefit?

Mr. Bevin

I know that difficulties arise, but I cannot relax the Order until the war is over.