§ 22. Mr. Fernyhoughasked the Minister of Labour if he will state the number of men, including volunteers, who have been called to the Forces during the last five months from the coal mining industry.
§ Mr. IsaacsNo coalminers have been called up under the National Service Acts except possibly a few unskilled surface workers unwilling to undertake underground work. The precise numbers are not available.
§ Mr. FernyhoughSurely there is something wrong with the information of the Minister? Miners have been allowed to volunteer. That is the Question that was asked. In view of the grave statement made yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power, does not the Minister think that this is a disastrous policy? Would not these men be serving the best interests of the country by remaining in the coal mines? Are we not making the same mistake that we made twice previously, and will my right hon. Friend not try to use his influence with the Service Ministers to prevent any more men from the mines being called to the Forces?
§ Mr. IsaacsIf my hon. Friend had looked at his own Question before he made his speech, he would have known that he asked me what numbers have been called to the Forces, not volunteers.
§ Mr. FernyhoughOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. My Question specifically stated "including volunteers."
§ Mr. IsaacsThe original question on the Order Paper was "To ask the Minister of Labour, if he will state the number of men who have been called to the Forces during the last five months from the coal mining industry."