§ 57. Air-Commodore Harveyasked the Minister of Labour if he will reconsider the call-up of Mr G. P Rose, Home-croft, 2277 Blakelow Road, Macclesfield, bearing in mind that if the call-up takes place the business of manufacturing surgical footwear may have to close down.
§ Mr. IsaacsAs I have informed the hon. and gallant Member, postponement of call-up on grounds of business hardship may only be granted if the busines concerned cannot be carried on, even to a limited extent, in the applicant's absence. Mr. Rose's application for postponement was refused by the Military Service (Hardship) Committee and there are no grounds on which I can contest their decision.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have carefully investigated this case myself, and that if Mr. Rose is called up the business will have to be closed down? The business is that of the manufacture of dozens of pairs of surgical boots for ex-Servicemen and other people who were injured during the war; and is he aware that if this man is called up these people will be unable to obtain these boots for upwards of two years? Will he please look into it again?
§ Mr. IsaacsYes, Sir. I cannot see any grounds, on the information I have received, to upset the decision taken, but I will look at it again.
§ Captain CrowderWill the Minister consult with his colleague the Minister of Pensions with whom I have had correspondence about the difficulty of getting surgical boots repaired?
Mr. ShurmurWould the right hon. Gentleman try to introduce some flexibility into these hardship committees? Manpower boards cannot tell how they are to be approached and I, myself, have some flagrant cases of hardship.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyWill the right hon. Gentleman consult with the Ministry of Supply who have given a high priority for the supply of materials to these firms?
§ Mr. IsaacsYes, Sir, I will consult with both Ministries.