HC Deb 05 March 1947 vol 434 cc475-6
47. Mr. Chetywnd

asked the Minister of Defence the number of men now serving in the Forces who have had previous experience in the mining industry.

Mr. Alexander

The approximate numbers of men in the Forces recorded as having had coalmining experience are:

Navy … … 44
Army … … 11,600
R.A.F. … … 3,700
But of these a great many are men who were called up as unfit for heavy mine work or unsuitable for other reasons for work in the mines and men on Regular engagements. Apart from these, all experienced miners in the Forces have already been offered release to return to the mines but the proportion of refusals has been high. The Services cannot, therefore, be regarded as a source from which any great numbers of mine workers can be obtained to help alleviate the present crisis.

Mr. Chetwynd

Could my right hon. Friend say whether the offer of release is still open to men who have previously rejected it, in view of the changed circumstances and the fact that they may have altered their minds during the crisis?

Mr. Alexander

Under the bulk Class B release scheme, out of 4,700 who were offered release only 790 accepted. Of course, the nomination scheme is still open to anybody. I should think that if a man who refused release under the bulk release scheme got a nomination from a colliery, there would be no reason why his case should not be reconsidered.

Mr. Chetwynd

The way is not closed?

Mr. Alexander

No.

Mr. Rankin

In view of the fact that the recognised disciplinary approach to this problem of desertion has not succeeded, would my right hon. Friend consider another approach to the problem?

Mr. Alexander

That does not arise on this Question. I have had correspondence with my hon. Friend on that subject.