§ 45. Mr. Cooperasked the Prime Minister if, in view of the economic position of the country, he will consider making a statement regarding a substantial modification and curtailment of the Government's conscription proposals, including exemption for all men willing to take up work in agriculture, iron and steel, and such other essential industries that in time of war would be required to be equally well manned with trained men ready for immediate action as would be the Armed Forces.
§ The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Arthur Greenwood)I have been asked to reply. I have nothing to add to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Gateshead (Mr. Zilliacus) on 11th March.
§ Mr. CooperIn view of the Government's recognition of the changed economic position compared with that 1485 obtaining when the conscription announcement was first made, would consideration be given to this principle being applied to those engaged in other basic and essential industries?
§ Mr. GreenwoodMiners and other groups of workers are not being called up, as was laid down in the White Paper to which my right hon. Friend referred the other day. I think we must leave it there. This is not a convenient subject for Question and answer, but one for Debate.