134. Mr. Patonasked the Minister of Labour if, in view of the long delay, amounting to about six months, before surgical boots and appliances and artificial limbs can be supplied to those requiring them, he will defer any further call-up of the skilled workers engaged in making such appliances and accelerate the release of those in the Forces.
§ Mr. Isaacs:I am aware of certain difficulties in connection with the production of surgical boots, appliances and artificial limbs, and am considering, in consultation with the interested Government Departments, the possibility of deferring the call-up of members of the 1926 or earlier classes who may be employed on this work. It is already open to an employer to apply through the appropriate Government Department for the release from the Forces of any particular man who is a key specialist in this work.