HC Deb 19 April 1950 vol 474 cc135-6
48. Major Legge-Bourke

asked me Minister of Defence if he will make a statement on the progress he has achieved in conjunction with the nationalised industries in arranging for the granting of leave to volunteer members of the Territorial Army, showing the differences industry by industry, where they exist.

The Minister of Defence (Mr. Shinwell)

I am circulating a detailed statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Brigadier Head

Does the Minister not think that it would be better for all concerned if there could be greater uniformity in the arrangements now existing with regard to the granting of leave for camps?

Mr. Shinwell

We are rapidly approaching uniformity.

Major Legge-Bourke

Would the right hon. Gentleman say whether the information which he is circulating includes information about what priority with regard to camp is given to volunteers to the Territorial Army, as opposed to National Service men?

Mr. Shinwell

I am not sure that that was the Question asked, but I am giving as much information as I can.

Following is the statement:

Bank of England: —One week's additional paid leave.

British Electricity Authority and Area Boards:—Additional leave is allowed as follows:

  1. (a) to those with two weeks or less annual holiday; one week on full pay and a further week unpaid.
  2. (b) to those with over two weeks' annual holiday; one week on full pay and further unpaid leave if necessary to bring the total of ordinary annual holiday and additional leave up to four weeks.

British Transport Commission—Two weeks' additional leave. Service pay will be made up to the standard of civil pay for one week. In the case of those employees who are members of the R.E. (Transportation) Units (Supplementary Reserve) and whose military training is of value to the undertaking, the Commission will make up the balance of civil pay for the whole period.

Cable and Wireless Ltd.—Leave with pay for the whole period of camp except for employees whose normal leave entitlement is large.

Civil Aviation Corporations—One week's additional paid leave.

Gas Council and Area Boards—In most cases a practice similar to that of the British Electricity Authority has been adopted. The general policy to be followed will, it is hoped, be settled in the next few weeks.

National Coal Board—One week's additional leave, subject to certain limitations. Service pay for the week will be made up to the standard for a week's holiday.

North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board—Leave for the whole period of camp. Service pay will be made up to the standard of civil pay.

Raw Cotton Commission—Leave with pay for the whole period of camp.