HC Deb 07 June 1945 vol 411 cc1048-9
19. Mr. McEntee

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that there is a strong feeling of disappointment amongst men in the Services in regard to the relatively small number to be demobilised this year, and that there is a feeling of confidence at the demobilisation stations that they could handle considerably larger numbers; and will he reconsider the number proposed to be demobilised with a view to its increase.

Mr. Butler

No, Sir, I am not aware that such feeling exists. As regards the second part of the Question, the rate of release will be governed by operational requirements and transport facilities. The capacity of the dispersal centres is fully adequate to deal with the numbers involved.

Mr. McEntee

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman what on earth he has been doing not to be aware of the very strong feeling that men were mobilised for the purpose of doing a job when the job had been done, and that, as far as these men are concerned, they ought to be released at a more reasonable and a quicker rate than is the case at the present time? Has not every hon. Member received hundreds of letters? I have had a great number.

Mr. Lipson

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the great concern caused as a result of his own recent statement that only men in the early 20's groups will be released by the end of the year, whereas the Parliamentary Secretary had said that men up to the middle 20's will be released? Is the position more or less favourable than it was when the hon. Gentleman made that statement?

Mr. Butler

In answer to the last supplementary question, certainly, in the main, the figures are as stated previously by my hon. Friend and by the Parliamentary Secretary. I naturally thought it wise, so that the men should know where they are, to give particulars of age groups to be released. In reply to the first supplementary question, I am aware that everybody wants to be released as quickly as possible, but I am not aware that troops do not understand that operational requirements and other matters may not permit their release as quickly as they would have desired.

Mr. McEntee

Will the Minister give the number of groups he hopes to release by the end of the year?

Mr. Butler

I would rather not make a statement now, but I hope in due course to give the House as full information as possible.