§ Mr. D. MILLARasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he can state the conditions upon which miners serving with the Colours are at present being released from the Army in order that they may undertake work in the coal mines; and whether applications from skilled miners serving both at home and abroad are now being entertained?
§ Mr. FORSTERMiners not fit for general service are being released from the Army to enable them to assist in increasing the output of coal. The only condition attaching to their release is that they engage in coal mining. If they cease to engage in coal mining they are liable to be recalled to the Colours, as they also are in the event of national emergency. Miners serving overseas and fit for general service are not being released.