§ 35. Mr. H. Hyndasked the Secretary of State for War why ex-miners who are serving as National Service men will not be released under the scheme recently announced.
§ Mr. StracheyUnderground workers in the mines are not normally called up for National Service in the Forces. The few who are serving either left the mines voluntarily before call-up or were not reserved. There would be little advantage in giving these men the opportunity of returning to the mines.
§ Mr. HyndIn view of the fact that any ex-miners who are serving as National Service men are obviously volunteers, is it not a pity to spoil the concession 1904 recently announced by making this small exception?
§ Mr. StracheyThe concession was announced quite clearly as applying to members of the Regular Forces.
§ 40. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for War what instructions he has given to commanding officers in Germany about the reply they are to give to soldiers who have been miners and wish to make application to return to work in the mining industry.
§ Mr. StracheyInstructions have now been issued to all commands to ensure that all other ranks on normal Regular and certain short service engagements who have had at least six months' experience of underground work in the mines, and who are below the rank of acting sergeant, shall be offered release, provided they are prepared to work underground and they fulfil certain other conditions.
§ Mr. H. HyndWhy cannot the same conditions be extended to National Service men?
§ Mr. StracheyI gave the reason in reply to a previous Question.
§ Mr. OsborneCan the right hon. Gentleman give any idea of the numbers involved? How many coalface miners in the Army come under this category?
§ Mr. StracheyI cannot say without notice.
§ Mr. FernyhoughWill this apply also to ex-miners who are serving in Korea?
§ Mr. StracheyI cannot say without notice.