HC Deb 12 October 1944 vol 403 c1956W
Mr. G. Hutchinson

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is proposed to permit the release from the Forces, under Class B of the White Paper proposals, of local government officials and the articled pupils of such officials engaged in the local government service.

Mr. Bevin

Local government officials will be eligible for release in Class B if it is established that their services are required to enable local authorities to carry out urgent work of reconstruction, particularly in connection with the housing programme. It is most unlikely that the articled pupils of such officials will be eligible for release on these grounds.

Mr. G. Hutchinson

asked the Minister of Labour why no priority is to be given to service overseas as against service in this country in assessing the claims of Service men for demobilisation in Class A of the proposals published in the recent White Paper.

Mr. Bevin

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 4th October to the hon. Member for Plaistow (Mr. Thorne) of which I am sending him a copy.