asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Ministry of Health, in its recent circular A.S. 330, informs all health insurance approved societies that, as from 1st October, 1941, there will be no reservation in the case of men of military age employed by them; that the work of the staffs of these societies is exceedingly technical; and will he reconsider the position and place these men, especially those employed by approved societies operating as separate sections of trade unions, on the same basis of reservation as those employed by trade unions?

The decision that inspectors, supervisors and clerks employed by life assurance companies, friendly societies and approved societies, should cease to be reserved from military service this autumn was reached, in consultation with the Government Departments concerned, having regard to the general man-power position. The men thus becoming de-reserved will not, as a rule, be required to join their Units before 1st October, 1941, by which date it should be possible to train women and older men to replace them. Key men whose replacement has not been possible will, if necessary in the public interest, be considered for deferment of calling-up.

Does not my right hon. Friend see the anomaly of a trade union approved society which cannot keep its technicians on its staff because they have been completely de-reserved, whereas men of similar ages are reserved in the trade union branch of the same organisation?

They were not reserved on the ground of their age. Trade unions made representations to the Department, and after consultation with the Department it was deemed desirable to reserve trade union officials at the age of 30. These trade union officials are responsible for much more than clerical work, They are very largely connected with the war effort in maintaining conciliation arrangements and all the rest of it in the country.