Viscount Hinchinǵbrookeasked the Minister of Labour how many men employed during the war in reserved occupations have been called up for military service since 1st September, 1945, in each year of age from 19 to 30 inclusive; and how many men in each year of age are still reserved.
§ Mr. Isaacs:Figures for each year of age are not available, but it is estimated that the numbers of men from 19 to 30 previously retained in industry who entered the Forces during the period September, 1945, to March, 1946, were approximately as follows: aged 19 and 20, 31,000; aged 21 to 24, 28,000; aged 25 to 30, 9,000. In March, 1946, the numbers of men aged 19 to 30 in industry (excluding the Merchant Navy) who were medically fit for military service are estimated as follows: aged 19 and 20,140,000; aged 21 to 24, 200,000; aged 25 to 30, 250,000. About half these men are in coalmining, agriculture and railway service and the figures also include a number of apprentices.