§ 55. Colonel Wheatleyasked the Minister of Labour the nature of the terms governing the release from productive industry to the Army of skilled engineering artisans under the Leading Artisans Staff-sergeants Scheme; if he is satisfied that the conditions are being carried out; and whether he is aware that many of the men are dissatisfied.
§ Mr. IsaacsThe release from industry of the men referred to was not governed by any conditions, and the second part of the Question does not, therefore, arise. I am informed that because of cuts in the Army's requirements after the end of the war, some men selected for training as potential leading artisan staff-sergeants had to be re-mustered in other trades, but every effort was made to post them to trades in which their industrial experience would be used.
§ Colonel WheatleyIn view of the appeal of the Government for, production, is the Minister aware that many of these men have been waiting over a year for a course, that they feel their skill is being lost to the country, that they are losing practice in their craft, and that they are very upset and frustrated at the ill-working of the scheme?
§ Mr. IsaacsI will be most grateful if the hon. and gallant Member will let me have particulars of such cases, but the liaison between my Department and the War Office is most close, and this is a complicated question. I will be glad to look into it, if he will send me particulars.
§ Colonel WheatleyI have already raised the matter.