HC Deb 06 March 1947 vol 434 c647
53. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Minister of Labour whether there is now any compulsion on men directed to work in the mining industry to join the National Union of Mineworkers.

Mr. Isaacs

Men are not directed to work in the mining industry.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are a very large number of "Bevin boys" still in the pits? It is in reference to them that the Question is put.

Mr. Isaacs

I have answered the Question on the Order Paper.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Will the right hon. Gentleman look at the Question again? It refers to men directed to the coal industry; surely he will agree that that covers "Bevin boys"? Is he trying to evade the Question?

Mr. Isaacs

No, Sir, I am trying to answer the Question as it was put down. If the hon. Gentleman will put down another Question, explaining what he means, I will answer it.