asked the Minister of Labour whether boys directed to the mines will be given the opportunity of being transferred to the Services for the period that may remain until their release group number is reached in proportion to the number of miners released from the Services who return to the pits.

No, Sir.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of these boys very much desired to go into the Services in the first place, and were very disappointed in being called up for the pit? Surely they can now be given an opportunity of joining the Service in which they desire to serve?

No. I very much sympathise with many of these boys and I realise their position, but I am afraid that I cannot alter my answer, owing to the shortage of labour in the coalmining industry.

But if that shortage is diminished, will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider it?

I am afraid I cannot say any more in answer to the Question.

Is the Minister aware that, if he brought back the miners to the pits, he could take away the Bevin boys any time, although many of them have done good service?

Can the Minister give an undertaking to reconsider the position if the labour position improves, because these boys do feel that they might be kept in the pits and be robbed of the chance of doing some service in the Forces?

I could not be more sympathetic than I was in my answer, but I cannot give a further answer to this Question.