§ 47. Mr. Quintin Hoggasked the Prime Minister what assistance the various 514 nationalised industries are to give to the Territorial recruiting drive in their capacity as employers of labour.
§ The Prime MinisterThis 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. HoggWill 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 MinisterCertainly, Sir. It is being done now.
§ Mr. M. LindsayIs 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 MinisterThat 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. FernyhoughWill 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 NobleIs 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?