§ Air-Commodore Harveyasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty, if, in view of the urgent need of manpower in the coalmines, he is prepared to reconsider his decision regarding the release of Leading Telegraphist G. F. Swindells, C/JX 160186, who has been offered training, accommodation and subsequent employment in the coalmines by the National Coal Board.
Mr. DugdaleUnder the current regulations approved by His Majesty's Government, the special release of men from the Forces for coalmining can only be considered if the applicants have had not less than six months' experience of coal mining ether underground or on the surface. Leading Telegraphist Swindells has not had this experience, and as he is serving on a regular engagement in a category in which there is a shortage of trained ratings, his application for discharge could be considered only on exceptional compassionate grounds of which no evidence has been put forward.