§ Mr. G. Hutchinsonasked the Minister of Labour whether he will arrange for service in the Auxiliary Fire Service or Civil Defence Services after 3rd September, 1939, and before enlistment to count in assessing qualification for demobilisation in Class A under the White Paper proposals.
§ Mr. TomlinsonNo, Sir. Service in the Civil Defence Services prior to enlistment in the Armed Forces is not regarded by the Government as service which can be taken into account in determining the relative order of release under the White Paper proposals.
§ Mr. G. Hutchinsonasked the Minister of Labour why no consideration is to be given to service in the Regular Army or Territorial Army before mobilisation in assessing the period of service qualifying for demobilisation in Class A under the White Paper proposals.
§ Mr. TomlinsonIt is the Government's view that as there is a real difference between service in the Armed Forces in peace-time and in time of war, the only service which, in fairness to all concerned, should be taken into account for the purpose of determining the relative order of release after the defeat of Germany, is service since the outbreak of war.
§ Mr. R. C. Morrisonasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the shortage of building trade workers which is likely to continue for some years, he will arrange through the Army Education Corps, courses of practical instruction 1577W for officers and men desirous of entering the building industry after demobilisation.
§ Sir J. GriggMy right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour is responsible for placing in industry, including the building industry, men released from the Army, and for giving them the appropriate training. I am kept informed of these arrangements and the Army Education Scheme is designed to prepare officers and men for this training.
§ Mr. Linsteadasked the Minister of Labour whether whole-time service in the police, the N.F.S. or the Civil Defence services preceding service in the Armed Forces will be included in the period of service upon which the demobilisation class is calculated.