§ 67. Mr. G. Langasked the Minister of Labour what steps he is taking to prevent the present call-up to the Services seriously interfering with production for export.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsDistrict Man-power Boards have been instructed about the importance of avoiding serious interference with production for export. Employers who are concerned about the call-up of key men are advised to make representations through the Government Department interested in their production.
§ Mr. LangIs my hon. Friend aware that when these representations are made it is such a long time before there are any results that trained men are actually called up, and are employed in pettifogging blind-alley jobs in the Forces?
§ Mr. EdwardsI should like to see particulars of a case of that sort. In cases of complaint we have stopped action being taken and had an investigation on the spot. If any hon. Member has a similar complaint, we shall be only too glad to have the facts.
§ Mr. LangWill the hon. Member remember that I have submitted such cases and have not had a very satisfactory result?
§ Mr. EdwardsIt is very difficult for the Ministry of Labour to say that a man should be reserved if the Department con- 2198 cerned with that form of production is of the opinion that a man should be called up.
§ Mr. StokesIs my hon. Friend aware that the Department concerned is not given enough time to advise the Manpower Board before a decision is taken?
§ Mr. EdwardsI must correct my hon. Friend. At least a fortnight's notice of a man's call-up is given to the employer.
Mr. De la BèreIs it not all important that adequate time should be given to the employer so as to avoid dislocation?