HC Deb 01 November 1948 vol 457 cc513-4
47. Mr. Quintin Hogg

asked the Prime Minister what assistance the various nationalised industries are to give to the Territorial recruiting drive in their capacity as employers of labour.

The Prime Minister

This question is at present being examined with the boards of the nationalised industries, who will, I am confident, be willing to give it the most favourable consideration which the circumstances of each industry permit.

Mr. Hogg

Will the right hon. Gentleman do his best to expedite their decision in view of the importance which is attached to it by the Territorial Associations throughout the country?

The Prime Minister

Certainly, Sir. It is being done now.

Mr. M. Lindsay

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the present position is that the nationalised industries are offering very much less favourable facilities than the best of private employers.

The Prime Minister

That varies. There are difficulties. For instance, if the Territorial camps come at the peak time for railway traffic, it is obviously very difficult for the railwaymen to get away just at that time. That is an obvious instance.

Mr. Fernyhough

Will my right hon. Friend see that these Boards do not take action which will in any way impair the prospects of getting coal? Does not our future lie more in increased coal supplies than in miners being absent on Territorial activities?

Commander Noble

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the hon. Member for Jarrow (Mr. Fernyhough) in the recent Debate said that he did not support the Territorial recruiting campaign?

An Hon. Member

Shame.