§ 35. Mr. Summersasked the Minister of Labour what arrangements he proposes to make to collect relevant information concerning those of military age who have not hitherto undertaken military service, for possible use in the future; and whether he will consider using the information obtained in the forthcoming census for this purpose.
§ Mr. BevanNone at this stage. With regard to the last part of the Question, information supplied for the census is treated as confidential, and could not be used for this purpose.
§ Mr. SummersDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that there are many Z reservists and others who regard themselves as marked men, and that they want the information asked for in this Question? They do not see how they can avoid having alone to bear such sacrifices as are called for in the call-up. Will the right hon. Gentleman take further steps to obtain the information so as to clarify the matter?
§ Mr. BevanIt is very difficult to see how this information can be collected, and I am not prepared to violate the census for the purpose.
§ Mr. SummersIf this information was obtainable during the early days of the war, could it not be obtained now, if necessary?