§ Mr. Tinkerasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that some of those who are called up to the Services express a preference to go into the mines; and will he make it known what is the position in regard to those who desire this.
§ Mr. E. BevinIn the great majority of cases effect is given to a preference for work underground in coalmining expressed by men who would otherwise be called up for the Forces. The exceptions are in two classes:
1569W(1) men in certain highly skilled occupations who are required in their trade capacity in the Forces, and
(2) those who do not satisfy the minimum medical standard required for underground coalmining.
§ Mr. J. Griffithsasked the Minister of Labour the number of youths admitted to
Coalmining Training Position on 21st March, 1944 Region in which trained. No. of men (including volunteers) who have entered Coalmining Training Centres. No. of men now in training. No. of men already transferred to employment. Midlands 1,190 468 712 North Midlands 1.143 557 577 North Eastern 2,475 1,236 1,232 North Western 1,000 377 618 Northern 2,057 1,045 1,001 Scotland 81 81 — Wales 661 385 263 London and South Eastern 119 44 73 Totals 8,726 4,193 4,476