§ Major Milnerasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the great shortage of sanitary inspectors; that the depleted staffs are engaged to a great extent on civil defence work in addition to their own important duties; that quite a number were formerly employed in the shipbuilding industry and are therefore registering for employment in that capacity; and whether, in the interests of public health and civil defence services, he will not approve the transfer of these men?
§ Mr. BevinIn considering whether the national interest would best be served by transferring to shipyard work men who registered under the Industrial Registration (No. 1) Order, 1941, regard will be had to the relative importance of their present work. Each case will have to be considered on its merits and it is not possible to give a general assurance of the kind asked for by my hon. Friend. We must remember that the thing of paramount importance at this moment is the battle of the Atlantic.