HC Deb 08 January 1942 vol 377 c55W
Mr. Parker

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has made arrangements, or will do so, for young men in reserved occupations who, in response to public advertisements, volunteer and are accepted for air crews to complete their interrupted training and apprenticeships after the war in order that those who survive may not be penalised for their patriotism?

Mr. Bevin

In co-operation with the British Employers' Confederation and the Trades Union Congress an invitation is being addressed to organisations of employers and workpeople and to Joint Industrial Councils and Trade Boards asking them to consider now the post-war position of apprentices and others whose training has been interrupted by war service. The problems arising can best be considered in the first place by the appropriate organisations and by joint machinery in each industry, and the result of this examination will be reported to me. No doubt the industries concerned will pay regard in the course of their examination to the special position of the men referred to by my hon. Friend, as well as to other special circumstances.