§ 46. Mrs. Florence Patonasked the Minister of Defence if he will consider offering deserters the option of service in the mines as an alternative to returning to the Forces.
§ The Minister of Defence (Mr. A. V. Alexander)I am afraid I could not adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion. Apart from other objections, it would require legislation. A man found guilty of desertion must be dealt with under the Services' disciplinary codes.
§ Mrs. PatonIs it not a fact that a good many of these men have expressed their desire to work in the mines and would prefer them to the Services? Would the right hon. Gentleman not consider this again? Such men would be much more useful in the mines than where they are.
§ Mr. AlexanderThat would be a matter on which there would be differences of opinion; there would certainly be a good many in the mining industry itself who would object.
§ Mr. R. S. HudsonIs it not a fact that the Government are afraid of Mr. Homer?
§ Mr. AlexanderThis Government is not afraid of anything of the sort.
§ Wing-Commander MillingtonWill the Minister bear in mind that the profession of coalmining is a profession of honour and dignity, and will he not rebut any suggestions by sentimental people that it may properly be used for penal purposes?
§ Mrs. PatonIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there are some men temperamentally unfit for the Services who could serve in the mines, and they are not men who wish to shirk their responsibilities? They would be more useful in the mines. What on earth is the use of sending such men to prison?
§ Mr. AlexanderI have had to say before that all these questions of desertion cannot be dealt with in general. Every deserter knows what he deserted for, and each case has to be dealt with on its merits—
§ Mrs. PatonI said "some."
§ Mr. AlexanderThose cases can only be dealt with under the Services' disciplinary codes in accordance with the proper legal procedure.