§ Mr. T. Brownasked the Minister of Labour if he is satisfied with the rate of demobilisation of men from the Armed Forces for the mining and agricultural industries of the country.
§ Mr. IsaacsAll underground coalminers in the Forces, who are not due for early release in Class A and for whom immediate employment is available, are being offered release in Class B. The question of Class B releases for agriculture is under consideration. As regards releases in Class A, as I explained in my comprehensive statement of 2nd October, these are the maximum possible in the present circumstances.
§ Mr. Warbeyasked the Minister of Labour how many building trade workers had been released under Class B up to the latest convenient date; and how many it 1206W now is intended to release under this category by 31st December, 1945, consequent upon the recently announced speed-up in Class A releases.
§ Mr. IsaacsThe number of building operatives released in Class B up to 15th October was 12,067. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 11th October to the hon. and gallant Member for Edinburgh West (Lieut.-Commander Hutchison).