§ Mr. Prittasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Mr. Henry George Ayres, of 262, Lancaster Road, W.10, was discharged from the employment of Lancegaye, Limited, Hythe Road, Scrubs Lane, on the evening of Wednesday, 12th July, 1939, being then under notice to begin his Militia service 751W on Tuesday, 18th July, 1939; and what action he will take in the matter?
§ Mr. E. BrownAccording to my information Mr. Ayres' employment was terminated on 12th July with 11 other employès whose ages ranged from 19 to 32. I have no evidence to support the suggestion that the dismissal was due to his liability under the Military Training Act.
§ Mr. McEnteeasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that large numbers of young men, between the ages of 20 and 21 years and also those nearing the age of 20 years, are being discharged from their employment because of their liability under the Military Training Act; that they find in almost all cases that it is impossible because of their age to secure other employment; and what steps is he proposing to take to assist these young men?
§ Mr. E. BrownNo, Sir. My experience does not bear out the implication contained in the question. On the contrary, the results of my investigations into cases where it was alleged that men had been dismissed from their employment because of their liability under the Military Training Act leads me to the conclusion that the allegations cannot usually be substantiated and that employers are not seeking to avoid their obligations under the Act.
As regards young men who are unemployed and wish to be called up for training early, I have already announced that arrangements have been made to enable this to be done so far as is practicable.