HC Deb 08 October 1946 vol 427 cc1-2W
Mr. Gandar Dower

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that Mr. Richard MacKay, of Durness, Sutherland, has been called up, and that he was responsible for four crofts covering 21 acres of arable ground and also for 200 sheep, three milking cows, two pigs and 50 poultry and that he also assisted with the accountancy at his mother's grocers shop and her hotel; why it was necessary to call up Mr. MacKay; and whether the fact that this boy was registered as a grocer when 18 years of age had any bearing on the decision.

Mr. Isaacs

This young man was regis tered as a grocer and indeed obtained considerable periods of postponement in that capacity. His agricultural activities were found not to be such as to necessitate further deferment in the interests of agricultural production. Deferment of the call-up of young men who can in fact be spared could only result in delaying the release of others who have served for considerable periods.