§ Mr. Tinkerasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware there are numbers of men in the Services who have worked in the mines who are unable to be considered for release owing to managers of coalmines not asking for their release; and will he consider this aspect as an experienced mineworker would have more immediate effect in the production of coal than those who are balloted in without previous experience?
Major Lloyd GeorgeAs I have previously explained to the House, the War Office have sent to me the names of men eligible for release who are known to them as ex-miners and releases are proceeding. In addition, collieries are applying to my Ministry for the release of other men with previous underground experience and these cases are being sent to the War Office for consideration. It is essential that my Ministry should have an offer of underground employment from a particular colliery before the War Office is approached. Any man not barred by the age limitations who wishes to be considered should ask his commanding officer whether there are any military reasons to prevent his release and, if not, approach the colliery at which he wishes to work underground. I fully appreciate the value of experienced miners and an arrangement has recently been made with the War Office under which men of any age in medical category "C" who have had previous underground experience can be considered for release. The War Office have advised all units and any soldier in medical category "C" who wishes to be considered should follow the procedure I have described. Some men in category "C" may not be physically fit to work underground, but it is hoped to secure the release of a number of experienced men who are capable of useful work.