HC Deb 06 November 1945 vol 415 cc1072-3
36. Mr. Driberg

asked the Minister of Labour how many of the 17,946 persons released in Class B between 18th June and 30th September had been serving in S.E.A.C., in C.M.F., in other theatres overseas and in the United Kingdom, respectively; and if he will give an assurance that potential Class B releases are not prejudiced by reason of distance from home, transport difficulties, or other causes, but are granted on the merits of the individual cases alone, in whatever theatres the persons concerned may be serving.

Mr. Isaacs

The information asked for in the first part of the Question is not readily available. The answer to the second part of the Question is in the affirmative.

Mr. Driberg

Is it not obvious that, in the case of block releases, Service Departments will tend to release whole groups of men who are serving in the United Kingdom, because it is more convenient to do so; and will my right hon. Friend look into that aspect of the question?

Mr. Isaacs

I think, from information already in my possession, that that is not the case, but they are doing the best they can to bring the men home from overseas, in harmony with those who are displaced at home.

41. Lieut.-Colonel Byers

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a statement showing the age and service groups in the Army, Navy and R.A.F., according to classified occupations, which will be released in Class B under block arrangements over the next nine months and giving the approximate dates by which each occupation in each Service may expect release.

Mr. Isaacs

No, Sir. I am afraid this would not be practicable.

Lieut.-Colonel Byers

While appreciating the difficulties involved, may I ask the Minister whether he is aware of the considerable anxiety which is being experienced by certain people in high release groups who feel that they ought to be released under block release by virtue of their occupation only, and will he consider some simpler form of statement in order to prevent this sort of anxiety and unnecessary trouble arising?

Mr. Isaacs

I would regret it if there were anxiety and unnecessary trouble. The problem is that we try to get out the numbers that are required from the lowest groups at the beginning and then we go up, but I will look into the point the hon. and gallant Member has raised and if there is any way of simplifying it, we will do so.