HC Deb 15 March 1945 vol 409 cc361-2
3. Lieut.-Colonel Dower

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider the introduction of a more acceptable method of ensuring that during the interim period between the defeat of Germany and Japan released man-power is absorbed where, in the national interests, it is most required, by means of progressive decontrol and release of raw materials rather than by forced direction of labour by employment exchanges.

Mr. Bevin

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the statement made by the Prime Minister on 16th November, 1944, in which it was made clear that during the interim period many war-time controls over raw materials, industrial capacity and so forth would continue to be necessary, and that all controls, including those over labour, were a part of an organised scheme. As regards compulsory direction of labour in particular, it has been made clear in the White Paper on the Reallocation of Man-Power, Cmd. 6568, that, while it is essential that the Government should possess the power of direction, it is intended to dispense with its use to a great extent.

Lieut.-Colonel Dower

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him to consider that it will not be possible to do to soldiers what has been done to "Bevin boys" who do not carry out his directions? They cannot be sent to gaol, because the country would not stand for it.

Mr. Bevin

I think my hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that you cannot let go the war machine, until you have defeated your final enemy, which is Japan.