HC Deb 21 February 1946 vol 419 cc285-6W
Mr. Fairhurst

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is prepared to make a determination exempting youths attaining the age of 18 and working in the cotton industry from military service, so

RELEASES AND DISCHARGES FROM THE FORCES AND AUXILIARY AND NURSING SERVICES.
1.— Cumulative figures 18th June, 1945, to 31st January, 1946.
Service. Men. Women.
Programme. Releases and Discharges Excess (+) or Deficit (-) on Programme. Pro-gramme. Releases and Discharges. Excess (+) or Deficit (-) on Programme.
Royal Navy … … 246,500 247,360 + 860 35.530 31,610 - 3.020
Army … … … 1,131,000 1,130,640 - 360 102,740 99,070 - 3,670
Royal Air Force … … 367,650 372.310 + 4,660 75.050 73.I3O - 1,920
Total … … 1,745.I50 1,750,310 + 5,160 213,320 203,810 - 9.510

long as they continue working in the said industry.

Mr. Isaacs:

Current arrangements provide that youths attaining the age of 18 whose services are regarded as essential for production in the cotton industry may have their calling up for military service deferred. I am satisfied that the needs of the industry are adequately safeguarded by these arrangements.