Mr. Collindridģeasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the categories of men now being released from the forces to work in the mines; in particular, whether men in the Navy are being considered in this connection; and if additional steps will be taken.
Major Lloyd GeorģeThe procedure for the release of men from the Army was described in my reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for East Rhondda (Mr. Mainwaring) on 19th October last. Briefly, it was decided that men with previous underground experience serving in the Army at home who were born on or before 6th October, 1907 (6th October, 1913, in the case of the Pioneer Corps), could be considered for release. Subsequently it was agreed that men of any age in Medical Category "C" could be considered. There are, however, certain military provisos which prevent the release of some men who satisfy the age conditions. It has recently been agreed that certain men with previous underground experience serving in the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines and the ground staff of the Royal Air Force at home are to be considered for release. Information as to the conditions governing eligibility for release has been issued to H.M. Ships and Establishments by the Admiralty and to all units of the R.A.F. at home by the Air Ministry. All men have had the opportunity to see these conditions. Particulars of men whom the Admiralty and the Air Ministry are prepared to release will be sent to my Ministry and as soon as an offer of underground work is available action to secure release will be taken.668W No application can be considered except through the Commanding Officer, and if he informs a man that release is impossible the decision must be accepted as final. In addition, the Ministry of Labour and National Service are making arrangements with the Service Departments under which volunteers for underground work in the coalmining industry with no previous underground experience may be considered for release from the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the Army and the Royal Air Force. All the Service Departments reserve the right if necessary to refuse release to men who satisfy the conditions governing eligibility for release. As regards the last part of the Question, the possibility of further releases is under constant consideration in the light of changing circumstances, but I am afraid that there is no prospect at present of the Service Departments being able to release men who are ineligible under existing rules.