HC Deb 30 July 1946 vol 426 c765
23. Lieut-Colonel Sharp

asked the Minister of Labour whether men released from His Majesty's Forces for work in the mines and who, if they had remained in His Majesty's Forces would have been eligible for Class A release, will be given the same rights as other civilian mine-workers to leave the coal industry as from 1st September, 1946.

Mr. Ness Edwards

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to men without previous experience of coalmining who during the war volunteered from H.M. Forces for coalmining. As indicated in the statement which I made in the House on 24th July, 1946, these men will not be held compulsorily in the coalmining industry beyond a period of six months after the date on which they would have been eligible for demobilisation in Class A had they remained in the Forces. I hope, however, that as many as possible of them will remain and make a career of coalmining.

Lieut.-Colonel Sharp

Is the Minister aware that I was referring to those members of His Majesty's Forces who have previous mining experience, and can we have an assurance that those men will have the same rights as others to leave the industry if they so desire?

Mr. Edwards

No, Sir. They have been restored to their ordinary civilian employment and have been given a preference over their colleagues in the Forces because of national need. They are now in the same position as any other fellow worker in the industry.