HC Deb 04 March 1947 vol 434 cc226-7
17. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will reconsider the decision to call up Mr. R. R. Hall, 26, Park Road West, Kingston-upon-Thames, before the conclusion of his period of apprenticeship as a dental mechanic.

Mr. Isaacs

In view of his age, Mr. Hall is not eligible for deferment as an apprentice dental mechanic. Deferment on industrial grounds could only be granted to a man of his age and occupation if the work he was doing was regarded as vitally necessary for the civilian needs of the country. After consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, I am satisfied that this condition is not fulfilled in Mr. Hall's case. Mr. Hall applied for postponement of his call up on grounds of exceptional hardship, but his application was refused by the Military Service (Hardship) Committee and there are no grounds on which I can contest their decision.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware, from the particulars which I sent him, that this is the case of a young man who requires nine months to complete a professional training, for which his parents have made great sacrifice; and if his rules do not deal with such cases, is it not abundantly clear that the sooner they are altered the better?

Mr. Isaacs

The rules are those which have been operating all through the period of call up. As to the first part of the supplementary question, I have looked at the correspondence with great care. The hon. Gentleman has set out the case with great clarity, but this matter has been considered by the Hardship Tribunal, and I cannot see any grounds to interfere with their decision.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

In view of the fact that the war is now over, surely these hardship considerations could be given greater weight?

Mr. Isaacs

We have also to consider the hardship of the men who are still retained in the Forces.

Mr. Henry Usborne

Is it not a fact that some alterations were made in the rule about 1st January, when it was announced that, under certain conditions, there would be option for people between the ages of 18 and 21 to decide their particular time of call up? Is that not true, and will my right hon. Friend say what were the conditions?

Mr. Isaacs

If the hon. Member will put his question down, I will let him have the conditions in detail; but they do not apply to this case.

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