§ Mr. SNOWDENasked the Minister of National Service if representations have been made to him about the case of Mr. Williams, of 17, Orchard Street, Goldthorpe, near Rotherham, a checkweigher in a local colliery; whether he is aware that, notwithstanding the agreement with the Miners' Federation, the colliery companies are allowed to appeal for the exemption of certain classes of workmen, whilst the workmen, who are the employers of the checkweighers, are not allowed to appeal through the colliery recruiting Court; whether he is aware that the refusal to exempt Mr. Williams has caused indignation amongst the workmen; and what action he has taken to continue the exemption of Mr. Williams, whose services as checkweigher and men's representative are considered by the men to be essential and indispensable?
§ Sir A. GEDDESI can assure the hon. Member that Mr. Williams' case has been very carefully investigated and considered on its merits. His application for exemption was dealt with by both the local and the Appeal Tribunal. Further, the executive of his union has refused to support his claim or to make representations on his behalf. I am not aware that the case has excited indignation amongst the workmen. All the information I have points to an opposite conclusion. I see1062W no reason why Mr. Williams should receive special administrative protection in view df the fact that every checkweigher of military age in the two hundred pits in Yorkshire has accepted the decision of the ballot.