§ 53. Mr. Oliverasked the Minister of Defence when it is expected that a decision will be taken respecting the return to the industry of miners called up for the Services.
§ 54. Mr. Murrayasked the Minister of Defence how many miners have volunteered to join the Forces; how many Reservists have been called to the Colours; and whether arrangements are being made for their return to the mining industry.
§ Mr. ShinwellDuring 1950, 1,591 colliery workers joined the Army on Regular engagements and 386 joined the Navy. I regret that figures for the Royal Air Force are not available. The number of Reservists employed at collieries who have been recalled to the Forces is not known and could not be secured without a disproportionate expenditure of time and labour. As my right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power announced last Thursday in the course of the debate on the coal shortage, ex-miners with at least six months' experience underground who have volunteered for the Forces during the past two years will be allowed to return to mining if they wish to do so. Reservists who have been recalled will not be allowed to leave the Forces.