§ 21. Sir Waldron Smithersasked the Minister of Fuel and Power why a miner, particulars of whose case have been sent to him, of 12 years' experience, taken into the Army in 1939 was, on his return after 6½ years' service, refused work in the mines unless he first did a course of training.
§ Mr. ShinwellThere would, in general, be no necessity for a man with the previous mine experience stated to undergo preliminary training on re-engagement. If the hon. Member will supply me with the name and address of the person concerned, I shall be glad to ask the National Coal Board to look into the matter.
§ Sir W. SmithersIs the Minister aware that, so far as I know, he has already had the information sent to him, and that absurd regulations of this kind take away a man's freedom of action and hold up the production of coal which is so urgently needed?
§ Mr. ShinwellThe hon. Member says that so far as he knows I have had the information, but so far as I know, I have not.