HC Deb 24 February 1949 vol 461 cc2021-2
51. Commander Maitland

asked the Minister of Labour if he will clarify the position of men who volunteer for the Territorial Army and who work in industries which are still affected by the Control of Engagement Order and, in particular, men engaged in agriculture.

Mr. Ness Edwards

Yes, Sir. There is no restriction on men in any occupation joining the Territorial Army. It is intended however to identify those of them whose civilian employment is such that, in the event of war, they would not be mobilised for full-time service. A list of the employments concerned will shortly be published. Employment in agriculture on food production is among them.

Mr. Renton

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that before 1949, many agricultural workers joined the Territorial Army, were called up and served magnificently during the war, and that there will not be very much inducement for them to do the same in future if they are merely to be called up for part-time home service? Will he bear in mind that what the men want to do when they join the Territorials is to make themselves ready for an emergency if it should arise, and to serve fully in that emergency?

Mr. Ness Edwards

I am afraid that the content of my answer has not been properly understood. We are talking about men who will not be compulsorily transferred to full-time Service in the Forces. We are dealing with the right of men now to join the Territorials. We shall publish a list indicating which men will be compulsorily taken on for full-time service in the event of an emergency.

Commander Maitland

Whatever regulations the right hon. Gentleman eventually makes, will he see that men who join the Territorial Army know exactly where they will be should war break out?

Mr. Ness Edwards

The announcement will make that perfectly clear.