National Service.

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at on 20 December 1938.

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Photo of Mr George Lathan Mr George Lathan , Sheffield Park

There has been talk in some quarters of the men who are engaged in manufactures being regarded as members of a dungaree army prepared not only to do their share and to discharge their duties at the bench; but, when danger comes, to protect the property. If that is not the idea which the Minister has in mind the sooner we hear of the proposals in that direction the better able we shall be to deal with them. I take it that the compilation of the Schedule of reserved occupations to which reference has been made, should not be on the basis of a book quota arrangement regarded as applicable without discrimination to all quarters. I have the responsibility of sharing with six other hon. Members of this House the representation of the City of Sheffield. The Government will not expect, I anticipate, that places like Sheffield will be able to make a contribution to the Services of a character which could much more easily be made in places like Cheltenham or Harrogate, although I am not sure what kind of response will come from those places.