HC Deb 23 November 1939 vol 353 c1437W
Mr. Silkin

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that many unemployed dock labourers who have been out of work for six weeks owing to shipping being diverted, have been refused employment in other occupations owing to their being in a reserved occupation; and whether, in such cases, he will give authority to such men to be allowed to accept any employment that may be available to them?

Mr. E. Brown

The men to which the hon. Member refers are free to accept any employment in any civil occupation that may be available to them. The Schedule of Reserved Occupations merely limits the extent to which dock labourers may become members of the Defence Services.

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