HC Deb 18 March 1943 vol 387 c1349W
Mr. MacLaren

asked the Minister of Labour why men between 18 and 25 years of age, employed as surface workers, are not allowed the alternative of joining the Armed Forces to going underground by direction?

Mr. Bevin

This alternative is not offered because of the paramount need for maintaining and augmenting the number of men employed in the coal-mining industry.