§ 56. Mr. G. Jegerasked the Minister of Labour whether he will now exempt all coal miners from National Service.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour and National Service (Mr. Harold Watkinson)It is already the practice to refrain from calling up underground coal miners so long as they remain satisfactorily so employed.
§ Mr. JegerIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that there exists in the coal mines at present a rather bad feeling that there is discrimination, which sometimes acts unfairly? In view of the interest in getting as much coal as possible, would not it be better to exempt from National Service all those who work in coal mines?
§ Mr. WatkinsonThere are no plans to exempt surface workers, but if there are any special anomalies which the hon. Member wishes to bring to my notice I shall certainly consider them.