§ Mr. John Lewisasked the Undersecretary of State for Air if he will take steps to expedite the tracing and identifying of building workers from the Central Record of the men's pre-enlistment occupation, in view of the fact that building workers who would be eligible for release under Class B are still being retained in the Services; and if he will consider making facilities available for men desirous of being released in this category to make their application to their commanding officers for this purpose.
§ Viscount Hinchingbrookeasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that the Air Officer-in-charge, Records, Gloucester, is refusing applications for Class B release to the building trades on the grounds that the requirements of the Service necessitate the retention of tradesmen in these grades; and whether he has any statement to make.
§ Mr. StracheyThe block release procedure under Class B applies to building trade workers. Individual applications are not required. Under this procedure the Ministry of Labour informs my Department of the number of men to be released. The men are then identified from the Central Record of their pre-enlistment occupations and releases in Class B are offered to an appropriate number in age and service order, allowing for refusals and disregarding those whose release in Class A is imminent. If the required number is not forthcoming, further offers are made to those in later age and service groups.