§ Mr. McEnteeasked the Minister of Labour why boot and shoe operatives who become redundant in munition works are to be allowed to return to their own industry, whilst building trades workers in similar circumstances are still being directed into the fighting forces or into industries other than their own; and will he now issue an order that all such building trades workers shall in future be allowed to return to their own industry so that war damage repairs may be speeded up.
§ Mr. BevinThere is no such distinction between the rules governing the return of workers to the boot and shoe industry and to the building industry as is suggested in the first part of my hon. Friend's Question. Subject to the necessity of calling-up young men to the Armed Forces and to the retention on munitions work of men who have acquired valuable skill in munitions occupations, the existing arrangements provide for the return to their former industry of workers with previous experience in skilled occupations in building and civil engineering who become redundant in munitions works.
1966W
§ Flight-Lieutenant Challenasked the Minister of Labour the percentage of youths directed to the mines in each ballot as compared with those who are conscripted into the Army.
§ Mr. BevinThe percentage of youths selected for coalmining in each ballot varies according to the current demands of the Armed Forces and of the coalmining industry. It would not be in the public interest to publish precise proportions.