§ Mr. Bartlettasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that skilled tile-moulders have been refused release from the Armed Forces as key men; and that the brick industry cannot usefully employ semi-skilled workers and trainees unless these tile-moulders are released; and will he secure their release.
§ Mr. IsaacsArrangements have already been made for the release from the Forces under Class B of skilled workers in the brick industry. These men do not come within the category of individual specialists; they are, however, being358W selected according to their occupations as shown in their Service records or on nomination by the Government Department concerned.
§ Mr. Bartlettasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that brick and tile makers who were temporarily released from the Services in 1041 under Army Reserve W to build ordnance factories, lose group status for demobilisation amounting in some cases to 12 months; and whether he will reinstate them both because they are now so urgently needed in industry and because their earlier release was necessary to deal with a national emergency.
§ Mr. IsaacsI am aware that periods spent in civilian employment are not taken into account in determining the relative order of release from the Forces, and I should not be justified in making an exception in the case of brick and tile makers. Arrangements have, however, been made for the release of brick and tile makers in Class B under which those selected are released as soon as possible without regard to their age and service grouping.