asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the improved situation, he will now grant immediate release from the Forces to any men or women who are the sole working owners of, or assistants in, any trade or business on which they, or any members of their families, or their employers if themselves unqualified are wholly dependent; always providing that every effort has been made to obtain temporary help until their release in the normal way?

No, Sir. I should not be justified in making an exception of this nature to the scheme for release from the Forces by age and service groups. It is, however, open to the appropriate Govern- ment Department to apply for the release of individuals as key specialists in Class B where they consider that the particular circumstances make out-of-turn release essential in the national interest.

If the right hon. Gentleman cannot grant release, will he consider granting indefinite leave, as there are real tragedies behind the Question I have asked?

The question of leave is one for the Service Department according to where the man is serving.