HC Deb 20 July 1944 vol 402 cc359-60W
Sir E. Graham-Little

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will reconsider his decision in the case, details of which have been submitted to him, of an honours graduate in engineering of London University who was allocated in January, 1944, to an O.C.T.U. to train for a commission in the R.E.'s but who has now been required to join the Army as a private in a field company where his special training will be wasted.

Sir J. Grigg

I have been asked to reply. The man referred to by my hon. Friend was a candidate recommended for a commission in a technical arm by a Joint Recruiting Board. He went to an O.C.T.U. for training as an officer in the Royal Engineers. In the course of his training it was found that he lacked certain qualities essential for an officer in a Field unit. It was therefore recommended that he should be employed in a unit of the Royal Engineers in the ranks. But in all cases where a Joint Recruiting Board candidate, who has been recommended for a commission in a technical arm, fails to obtain a commission the Ministry of Labour and National Service are asked whether they recommend that he should be employed in industry. This procedure is being adopted in the case of this man.