HC Deb 21 March 1946 vol 420 cc2033-4
54. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the delay in effecting repairs to railway locomotives, motor vehicles and boots and shoes, special consideration will be given to those categories for release from the Forces in those cases where it can be established that the men serving are skilled and experienced in these trades.

Mr. Ness Edwards

It is open to an employer in any of the trades mentioned to apply through the appropriate Government Department for the release of a particular man in Class B if he can properly be regarded as an individual specialist whose services are essential for urgent work of national importance.

Mr. De la Bère

But does not the hon. Gentleman realise that it is all-important to the structure of the nation that repairs to locomotives, iorries and boots should be carried out? Is he not further aware that it is quite different from the foundations of the present Government, which are incapable of repair?