§ 8. Mr. Alportasked the Minister of Labour what action has been taken to safeguard the civilian employment prospects of Reservists recalled to the Colours and of serving personnel retained beyond their period of engagement when the time comes for their release.
§ Mr. IsaacsThe question of conferring reinstatement rights on Reservists recalled to the Colours is under consideration. As regards the second part of the Question, all the measures which the Government are taking to assist members of the Regular Forces to secure suitable employment on their discharge will be available to assist the men the hon. Member has in mind.
§ Mr. AlportWill the right hon. Gentleman ensure that these men receive specially sympathetic treatment from the point of view of age and superannuation liability if they apply for local government or Government employment on release?
§ Mr. IsaacsWithout being able to answer specifically for local government, I can say that a scheme for the reinstatement in employment of these men so far 1690 as Government service is concerned has special priority.
§ Major Legge-BourkeArising out of the first part of the original answer, is the Minister aware that there have been already some cases where complications have arisen under this heading, where young men have been called up and then immediately discharged owing to their being unfit? Will the Minister look into the matter and see that the number of cases is kept to a minimum?
§ Mr. IsaacsI shall be glad to look into any special cases and to welcome any assistance we can secure to make the scheme work. There is an advisory council on the relationship between employment in the Services and in civil life. That council is giving us help, and any specific information available I shall be glad to receive.