§ Mr. G. Hutchinsonasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the uncertainty and disturbance caused to the local authorities by the present practice of granting deferment to men engaged upon repair of war damaged houses for short periods only; and whether, in view of the urgency of this work, he will now give instructions that deferment in such cases will be granted indefinitely or for a longer period than is at present the case.
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§ Mr. TomlinsonMy right hon. Friend, in agreement with my Noble Friend the Minister of Works, is issuing instructions that applications for the deferment of men in the building and civil engineering industries need not be made, except in the case of apprentices. In view of the urgency of building work, the only men in these industries who are being called up are men born in or after 1924 who have not been granted deferment as apprentices. A few men may also be required from time to time for service as tradesmen in the Forces but an opportunity will be afforded for the consideration of appeals in these cases. Due notice will be given of any change in the position.