HC Deb 11 October 1944 vol 403 cc1763-4W
Mr. G. Hutchinson

asked the Minister of Labour what arrangements are being made for the release from the Services of building trade operatives required urgently for the repair of war damaged houses, including skilled operatives formerly self-employed.

Mr. Ernest Bevin

It is not possible in present circumstances for the Armed Forces to release large numbers of their trained personnel for civilian work, however urgent. Considerable numbers of skilled building trade workers in trades in which the scarcity is most acute have, however, been and are still being released from the Army for work with contractors engaged on bomb-damage repairs in London and with the Special Repair Squads of the Ministry of Works. In addition a considerable number of men in uniform have been lent by the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force to assist in first-aid repairs. Skilled operatives formerly self-employed have not been released as a special class, but the cases of individual men are considered if application for their release is made by the Ministry of Works in the normal way.

Colonel Clarke

asked the Secretary of State for War why he is unable to sanction the release from the Army of No. 14604343, Private Taylor, R. S., R.A.P.C., whose services are required for repairing damage in Bomb Alley, in view of the fact that this man, who is a master builder and whose request for release is supported by the Ministry of Works, would be of greater national value at his own work than as a private in the R.A.P.C.

Sir J. Grig

Recommendations for the release of Private Taylor and a very considerable number of other soldiers have been submitted by the Ministry of Works in order that they might be employed on work in connection with the repairs of bomb damage. Each case is carefully considered and a release is sanctioned whenever the men can easily be spared. I regret that in this case it was not found possible to make him available. He was, owing to his category, transferred to the R.A.P.C., which is finding the greatest difficulty in procuring adequate staff to meet its present commitments, and these are likely to increase.