HC Deb 16 May 1960 vol 623 cc912-3
33. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Labour if he has yet brought to the notice of hardship tribunals the importance of granting deferment to workers working for small firms where their skill is vital to the maintenance of expanding production.

Mr. Heath

I have instructed my officers to draw the attention of hardship committees to the regulation governing postponement of call-up on grounds of exceptional hardship to an employer in cases where this is applicable.

Mr. Swingler

Having regard to what he has said in answer to previous Questions on this subject, will the Minister underline the point three times to ensure that the hardship tribunals direct their questions to applicants in such a way as to elicit whether they are key workers or not?

Mr. Heath

I gave an undertaking to the House, in answer, I think, to a Question from the hon. Gentleman himself, that I would instruct my officers to do this. It has been done, and they are fully aware of the situation.

34. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the threatened call-up of Mr. A. Williams, an employee of Newcast Foundries, Silverdale, Newcastle-under-Lyme, about whom the firm has corresponded with his Department, jeopardises the firm's production programme and may lead to the cancellation of important contracts; and if he will urgently reconsider his case for deferment on grounds of industrial need.

Mr. Heath

Mr. Williams' application for postponement of call-up on grounds of exceptional hardship is at present the subject of appeal to the umpire.

Mr. Swingler

In view of that Answer, which indicates that this matter is sub judice, will the Minister take note of the fact that the hardship tribunal in this particular case did not apply the spirit, at any rate, of his injunction with regard to the position of small firms, and will he note my expression of hope that the umpire will do so?

Mr. Heath

I have carefully studied all the facts of this case, including the letter which the hon. Gentleman sent to me this morning. I do not think it would be right for me to comment on it, in view of the fact that it is now before the umpire.