§ Major Wiseasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is prepared to consider the release of any boys directed to the mines, who were originally employed in agriculture and horticulture and whose services are now urgently needed in those industries, under the new Class B block release scheme for agriculture; and how many will be so released.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsI have been asked to reply. The Class B release scheme relates to releases from the Armed Forces only 1081W and not to release from civilian employment. In view of the labour position in coalmining, it is not possible at present to release any considerable number of coalmining ballotees for other employment, but I should not exclude the possibility of an individual ballottee being released for agriculture in special circumstances.