§ Sir P. Hannonasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the urgency of the restoration of British export trade to South and Central America, he will arrange for priority of release from the Army of Anglo-South American volunteers who have been engaged in industry and commerce in Latin America and whose return would stimulate demand for British goods.
§ Mr. BevinI have been asked to reply. It would be contrary to the principles of the Government's plans for release from the Forces after the defeat of Germany to grant any general priority to volunteers from overseas, whether from South and Central America or elsewhere. If, however, in any particular case it is considered that an individual's services are essential for urgent work of reconstruction, it will be open for his employer or, if he has been in business on his own account, for the individual himself to apply through the appropriate Government Department in this country for his release as an individual specialist in Class B.