§ 40. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Minister of Labour whether he will give special consideration to claims for exemption from, or postponement of, National Service for those who, as in the case of Mr. Foden of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, about whom representations have been made, have served in the Merchant Navy and worked in the mines and who have strong compassionate grounds for taking other civilian work.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodMen who leave employment, for which they have been granted indefinite deferment while still liable for National Service, as contemplated by Mr. Foden, must expect to be called up. They have however the right to apply for postponement of call-up on the grounds of exceptional hardship. Such applications are carefully considered by the statutory authorities appointed for the purpose.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopDoes not the Minister feel that this is rather a cat-and-mouse business? Will he not agree that it is very much more important at the present moment that this man should be able to take work of real importance outside the coal industry rather than to insist that he should either remain in the coal industry or go into the Forces?
§ Mr. MacleodNo. If I took it upon myself to decide in advance whether or not there was a case on compassionate grounds for this man, I, as Minister of Labour, would be taking the place of the statutory authorities appointed by this House. That would be quite wrong.