HC Deb 13 February 1951 vol 484 cc182-4
24. Mr. David Renton

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will introduce legislation to extend to all Territorial Army personnel the Government's proposals with regard to reinstatement in civil employment and holiday with pay.

25. Mr. Ian Harvey

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will now consider taking steps to ensure that no Territorial soldier is made by his employer to count periods spent at camp against his normal holiday.

26. Mr. A. R. W. Low

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will ensure that the same protection as to paid holidays is given to all who attend 15 days camp with Territorial Army units this year whether they are volunteers, National Service men or Class Z Reservists.

Mr. Lee

There is at present nothing to add to the answer to a similar Question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke-on-Trent, Central (Dr. Stross), on 6th February.

Mr. Renton

Will the hon. Gentleman explain why it is that the benefits and privileges which are granted to conscripts are being denied to those who volunteer to serve their country?

Mr. Lee

I should have thought that the answer was obvious. When a person volunteers, it is difficult to ask an employer to continue to give certain benefits. On the other hand, the whole question is under discussion at the moment, and I hope that hon. Members will not press for an answer now.

Mr. Harvey

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that this is a difficulty which could quite well be surmounted, and does he not think that this is imposing on the goodwill and loyalty of volunteers who are supporting the Government's present scheme for re-armament?

Mr. Lee

No, Sir. I do not think that we are imposing upon them at all.

Mr. Low

Does the Minister not know that the Territorial Army are trying to do all that they can to get Class Z persons to volunteer, and is not this refusal of his Department obstructing the policy of the War Office? Cannot he get together with the War Office and devise a suitable plan?

Mr. Lee

I am not aware that I have refused anything.

Mr. Nally

Does not the difficulty, quite rightly raised by hon. Members opposite, give an opportunity to employers to demonstrate their patriotism by providing for volunteers exactly the same conditions as are provided for conscripts?

Commander Noble

Is the Minister aware that if the Government do not settle these points quickly when they arise, this will have a most serious effect on the volunteer effort in this country?

Mr. Harvey

In view of the unsympathetic reply, I beg to give notice I will raise this matter on the Adjournment.