8. Mr. Austin Hopkins onasked the Minister of Labour why the mule-spinner, whose name has been communicated to 335 him, is to be forced to resume that occupation, in spite of the fact that he left it under medical advice when symptoms of spinners' cancer appeared some years ago; and if he is aware that the man then qualified himself for skilled work on munitions, which he performed to the satisfaction of his employers, and that a return to spinning will expose him to the danger of a slow and painful death.
§ Mr. ButlerI am having inquiries made and will communicate with the hon. Member. The direction issued to this man to return to the cotton industry is being suspended meanwhile.
Mr. Hopkins onDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that this man, in any circumstances, under the Restoration of Trade Practices Act, has been forced out of his present occupation?
§ Mr. ButlerI am making inquiries, particularly as I realise the importance which the hon. Member attaches to this case. When I have made the inquiries, I will communicate with him.
§ 12. 12.Mr. G. Straussasked the Minister of Labour whether he can say approximately how many men and women are now in employment who have been directed by the National Service officer to work away from their homes.
§ Mr. ButlerI regret that statistics giving the information desired are not available.