§ Captain Gammansasked the Minister of Labour if he is prepared to issue a special badge for young men who are called up and directed to work in the coalmines on the lines of the badge issued to the Merchant Navy.
§ Mr. BevinMuch as I sympathise with the object that my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind, I would ask him to appre-1524W ciate that thousands of young men who would have preferred to go in the Services have volunteered or have opted for mining or have been directed to other vital work, and I cannot give everyone a badge who is affected. I regret, therefore, that I cannot see my way to do what he suggests. My hon. and gallant Friend will no doubt be aware that all members of the Merchat Navy are given a badge.