HC Deb 01 November 1945 vol 415 cc620-1
72. Lieutenant Peart

asked the Minister of Labour what are the reinstatement rights which can be claimed by Servicemen who volunteered for and entered the mining industry.

Mr. Isaacs

Any right which a member of the Armed Forces may have to reinstatement with his former employer under the Reinstatement in Civil Employment Act, 1944, is not prejudiced by the fact that he was released from the Forces in order to take up work in the mining industry. In these circumstances, such work is treated as a further period of war service under the Act, and application for reinstatement may be made to the former employer when the war service comes to an end.

Lieutenant Peart

Is the Minister aware that some men now engaged in the mining industry have already reached their release group number? Can they claim their reinstatement rights now from the local National Service Officer?

Mr. Isaacs

If the hon. Member would send me particulars, I would be glad to look into that.