37. Mr. Leeasked the Minister of Labour whether he will make it possible for young men to opt for work in the coal 1444 mines instead of performing national service.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodUnder current arrangements, the call-up of men who take employment in underground and certain surface coalmining occupations is suspended while they continue to be satisfactorily employed on such work. This fact is specially mentioned in the leaflets issued to men when they register under the National Service Acts.
Mr. LeeWe have been discussing the great tragedy which could come to the country unless we get a sufficiency of fuel. Would not the Minister now widen the scope—I understand that it means legislation—to permit all young men, irrespective of the trade they have, to opt for the mines, as we did during the war, as an alternative to National Service, which would appear now to be somewhat obsolete?
§ Mr. MacleodI am not sure that it would be of very great help if the period there were the same and they did two years in the mines instead of two years' National Service, which I presume is what is being suggested. It is right to try every method we can. I agree that we should do more, and bring to the attention of young men that the period of suspension from National Service while they serve satisfactorily in the coal mines is normally up to the age of 26.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsHas the Minister any special plans for recruiting for the mines now that coal production is of greater importance in view of the shortage of oil?
§ Mr. MacleodThat is not in dispute. I dealt with the question of recruitment in the mines in an answer last week on the work of the National Coal Board.
§ Sir L. Joynson-HicksWill my right hon. Friend be very careful to avoid the coal industry becoming a dumping ground for those who only want to get into it to avoid National Service?