§ 5. Mr. George Craddockasked the Minister of Labour how many consultations he has had in the last two years with employers in industry concerning the effect of military conscription upon production figures.
§ Mr. WatkinsonOn the assumption that the hon. Member is referring to consultations with employers' organisations as to the general effect of National Service on production, the answer is "None," because the need for National Service is generally accepted by both sides of industry.
§ Mr. CraddockNotwithstanding that reply, is the Minister aware that many employers say that after two or three years'employment with a firm young men become useful, and then they are taken away for two years into the Services and it does not follow that upon their return they are improved for industrial purposes? This is an important matter.
§ Mr. WatkinsonNational Service is a burden in which we have all to play our part, and, as I have said, it is generally accepted by both sides of industry.