HC Deb 17 December 1959 vol 615 cc253-4W
122. Mr. Kelley

asked the Minister of Labour if he will issue instructions that, where young miners are rendered redundant due to reorganisation in the coal industry, no action will be taken to call them up for National Service until an opportunity has been afforded them for re-employment in a similar reserved occupation.

Mr. Heath

Miners declared redundant are given six weeks in which to seek other employment in coal mining, which the majority obtain. I could not, however, go as far as the hon. Member suggests. The other industries in which similar deferment arrangements exist are agriculture and the Merchant Navy, and redundant miners could not satisfy the conditions which have to be fulfilled in order to qualify for deferment in those industries.

Arrangements have, however, already been made for men who have worked for several years in the mines, and who become redundant owing to closures, to have their cases looked at specially if they are within two years of the upper age limit; normally, these men will not be called up for National Service.

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