HC Deb 23 August 1945 vol 413 cc815-6W
Mr. S. Shephard

asked the Minister of Labour the number of building operatives who have been released under the B scheme up to the end of July.

Mr. Isaacs

The Class B scheme came into operation on 16th July, and the number of building operatives reported as released in Class B between that date and the end of July was about 800. By 14th August, some 1,200 building operatives were reported as released in Class B from the Army and the Royal Air Force. The Royal Navy has nominated 1,475 men for release in Class B but the numbers actually released are not yet available. The number of building operatives and building materials workers in the three Services who have been offered release in Class B up to 14th August is about 24,000, but it is not yet known how many of these have accepted the offer.

Colonel Erroll

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many building operatives have been released by his Department from the Royal Navy under Release Scheme B up to the last convenient date.

Mr. Alexander

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given to-day by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour in answer to a Question by the hon. Member for Newark (Mr. S. Shephard), a copy of which I am sending him.

Colonel Erroll

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many building operatives have been released by his Department from the Royal Air Force under Release Scheme B up to the last convenient date.

Mr. Strachey

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given today by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service to the hon. Member for Newark (Mr. S. Shephard).

Flight-Lieutenant Haire

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will see that when bricklayers and other building operatives are released from the Forces under Class B, they will be directed to building work in their own home locality.

Mr. Isaacs

Building operatives released from the Forces under Class B will normally be directed to work on housing contracts near their homes, but it may be necessary in certain cases to direct them to work away from home in order to meet special circumstances or if suitable local vacancies are not available.