§ 28. Mr. Keelingasked the Secretary of State for War to what extent local authorities, socialised industries and transport and the Bank of England are giving extra leave on full pay for the full period of Territorial Army camps, and so setting an example to other employers.
§ Mr. ShinwellI have no information as to what particular local authorities are doing in this matter. I understand that the Bank of England and the Civil Aviation Corporations will give one week's additional paid leave to their employees to attend Territorial Army camps. Many large industrial firms have informed us of their intention to grant an extra week's leave with pay. The National Coal Board have recently decided to grant one week's unpaid leave. I have no information about the intentions of the British Transport Commission.
§ Mr. KeelingAs this is surely very important for recruiting, will the Secretary of State ask Territorial Army Associations to report what local authorities are doing about it; and is it not the fact that on 29th October last the Prime Minister said that the Government wished all nationalised industries to grant extra leave, which I take it means with pay?
§ Mr. ShinwellNo, I hardly think that my right hon. Friend was quite as specific as the hon. Member imagines. As regards asking Territorial Army Associations to approach local authorities, if the information is required and its collection does not impose too heavy a strain on the Department, we will try to get it.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterSo far as the National Coal Board arrangements are concerned, will the right hon. Gentleman request such of his colleagues as are on speaking terms with that Board to make representations to them to improve the position?
§ Mr. ShinwellSo far as I know, everybody is on speaking terms with the National Coal Board. I am led to believe that even hon. Members opposite are on speaking terms with the Board.