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Export Industries

Volume 414: debated on Thursday 25 October 1945

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67.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he is taking to prevent the present call-up to the Services seriously interfering with production for export.

District Man-power Boards have been instructed about the importance of avoiding serious interference with production for export. Employers who are concerned about the call-up of key men are advised to make representations through the Government Department interested in their production.

Is my hon. Friend aware that when these representations are made it is such a long time before there are any results that trained men are actually called up, and are employed in pettifogging blind-alley jobs in the Forces?

I should like to see particulars of a case of that sort. In cases of complaint we have stopped action being taken and had an investigation on the spot. If any hon. Member has a similar complaint, we shall be only too glad to have the facts.

Will the hon. Member remember that I have submitted such cases and have not had a very satisfactory result?

It is very difficult for the Ministry of Labour to say that a man should be reserved if the Department con- cerned with that form of production is of the opinion that a man should be called up.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Department concerned is not given enough time to advise the Manpower Board before a decision is taken?

I must correct my hon. Friend. At least a fortnight's notice of a man's call-up is given to the employer.

Is it not all important that adequate time should be given to the employer so as to avoid dislocation?

In view of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter again.