§ Mr. Westasked the Minister of Labour the number of youths called up for military service from the iron, steel and tin-plate industries since the withdrawal of the right of deferment; and if he is satisfied that it is in the national interest for youths of military age to be taken for the Armed Forces from such essential industries.
§ Mr. IsaacsThe figures asked for in the first part of the Question are not available. As regards the second part, the arguments in favour of suspending the call-up of young men in the iron and steel and tinplate industry apply with equal force to many other industries. Although special treatment in this respect has been granted in the basic industries of coalmining and agriculture, no further exceptions can be justified.