§ 32. Mr. Osborneasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that many Class Z Reservists feel that an injustice will be done to them if men who stayed at home in the last war are once more reserved: 19 and if he will arrange for married Class Z Reservists to take over the civilian jobs of those who were previously reserved.
§ Mr. BevanI am aware that there is some feeling of the kind the hon. Member describes. It would be quite impracticable to adopt the suggestion in the second part of the Question.
§ Mr. OsborneIs the Minister aware that the wives of these Class Z Reservists feel they are likely to be subject to grave injustice? Will he give special consideration at least to the men who served five or six years abroad? Will he apply the principle of equal shares in this great matter?
§ Mr. BevanI think the hon. Member had better await the announcement about the Class Z Reservists before forming any conclusion.
§ Mr. OsborneWhen will that be?
§ Mr. Oliver LytteltonCan the right hon. Gentleman say when we can expect that announcement?
§ Mr. LytteltonWould the right hon. Gentleman be a little more precise, as this is a matter of great public interest?
§ Mr. BevanYes, it is a matter of great public interest because a great deal of misrepresentation has been made, and if some newspapers exercised more restraint—[An HON. MEMBER: "And some Ministers."]—many citizens of the country would be less disturbed.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesWould my right hon. Friend consider, owing to the obvious reluctance of the Class Z Reservists, making service purely voluntary?
33. Lieut.-Commander Clark Hutchisonasked the Minister of Labour if he will take steps to ensure that men in Class Z Reserve are not called up for further training until all men of comparable age who are fit for service but have never actually served in the Forces have first been called up for training.
Lieut.-Commander HutchisonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the Class Z men have very strong feelings about this matter, and will not he give special consideration to this suggestion before a decision is made?
§ Mr. BevanIf the hon. and gallant Member will examine the implications of his suggestion, he will see that it is utterly hopeless to carry it out.