§ Mr. Mainwaringasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what procedure is to be followed by mineowners, and /or ex-miners, to make application for release from the Armed Forces of those who had previously been in their employ?
Major Lloyd GeorgeOnly men with previous underground experience serving in the Army at home who were born on or before 6th October, 1907 (6th October,1222W 1913 in the case of the Pioneer Corps) will be considered for release. The War Office will supply my Ministry with particulars of such men who are not barred for military reasons and who are shown in War Office records as ex-underground workers. When it has been established that immediate underground work is available the War Office will be asked to authorise release. Within the limits indicated and subject to certain military provisos, the War Office are also prepared to consider applications for the release of men with previous underground experience who were not working in the coal-mining industry at the time of enlistment. Any such man who wishes to be considered should apply to the colliery at which he desires to work giving full particulars of his previous underground experience. The colliery will then apply to my Ministry and if it is clear that the applicant satisfies the age condition the War Office will be asked to consider the case.