HC Deb 23 February 1956 vol 549 cc546-7
12. Sir P. Roberts

asked the Minister of Labour what surface technical staff of the National Coal Board, as opposed to coal miners and underground workers, are exempt from call-up for National Service so long as they remain with the National Coal Board until they are 26 years old.

Mr. Iain Macleod

The call-up for National Service of a number of grades of technical staff of the National Coal Board is deferred so long as they remain satisfactorily so employed. As the list is rather long, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Sir P. Roberts

Would not my right hon. Friend agree, however, that it is undesirable for the National Coal Board to use exemption from National Service to attract technical and office workers from other industries which have an equally important responsibility?

Mr. Macleod

People go to the jobs to which they wish to go, and there can be no direction in the matter. The deferment given in respect of coal mining is for the well-known reason of its enormous importance to our national economy. Although there are many industries, businesses and firms which make a major contribution, I do not think it possible to extend the present list of deferments.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Would the Minister agree that the shortage of technical staff in the coal mining industry, particularly for new development, is of serious concern, and that every encouragement ought to be given to technicians to enter the industry?

Mr. Macleod

I do not think that that is in dispute.

Following is the list: