asked the Minister of Works whether he is aware that work on the Portsmouth and Pimperne housing sites is being delayed for the lack of a skilled excavator driver; and why, in the circumstances, the application for release under Class B of Corporal Childs 1907585, No. 3 Section, 904 Stene Company, R.E., Carrlane Camp, Willerby, near Hull, has been rejected, since this man is a skilled excavator driver.

Excavator drivers are released under the block release method and not by individual nomination. I am informed that there is no demand outstanding for an excavator driver at the Portsmouth Employment Exchange and that if an application is submitted every effort will be made to supply a suitable excavator driver for this work.