HC Deb 01 May 1952 vol 499 cc110-1W
91. Mr. Erroll

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the calling up for National Service at the age of 21 of engineering apprentices, other than those in the aircraft industry already exempted, who have just completed their training is seriously interfering with the defence programme; that their uninterrupted retention in the industry would enable more unskilled workers to be taken on; and if he will consider their total exemption from National Service so long as the need for skilled men remains unsatisfied.

Sir W. Monckton

While it would no doubt assist the engineering industry to be allowed to retain all men after completion of their apprenticeship, I have to consider also the needs of the Services, and I could not go further in the direction suggested by my hon. Friend than the concession I announced on 10th April in reply to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Macclesfield (Air Commodore Harvey).

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