HC Deb 12 November 1940 vol 365 cc1602-3W
Sir J. Mellor

asked the Minister of Labour, upon what grounds partnership in a firm, or a directorship in a company of insurance brokers, of which at least one partner, or director, is a member of, or subscriber to Lloyds, or is a member of the Corporation of Insurance Brokers, has been constituted a reserved occupation at the age of 30 years; and upon what grounds other insurance brokers have been differently treated?

Mr. E. Bevin

In consultation with my right hon. Friend, the President of the Board of Trade, I decided to grant the reservation referred to in the first part of the Question on the grounds of the national importance of the part played by insurance brokers. As regards the second part of the Question, the entry in its present terms makes provision for the largest number of clearly definable insurance brokers engaged in work of national importance. It is realised that some insurance brokers, who should be reserved, are not covered by the terms of the entry, and deferment of calling up will be granted in appropriate individual cases, if application is made to me in accordance with the normal practice.