Building Operatives (Release)

Oral Answers to Questions — Trade and Commerce – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 20 March 1945.

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Photo of Sir Herbert Butcher Sir Herbert Butcher , Holland with Boston 12:00, 20 March 1945

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, where soldiers, who before the war were skilled building operatives, are no longer required upon their present duties, he will discharge them to civil life instead of retraining them for alternative branches of the Army.

Photo of Sir James Grigg Sir James Grigg , Cardiff East

Most of the skilled building operatives in the Army are serving in their trade but nevertheless the Army remains very short of them. I think it is unlikely that it will be possible to release any to civil life at this stage of the war except under the arrangements already in force for releases on grounds of national importance.

Photo of Colonel Sir Joseph Nall Colonel Sir Joseph Nall , Manchester Hulme

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise there is need for a real scrutiny of the way in which these men are employed? I have particulars of a plumber who is occupied in cleaning roads.

Photo of Sir James Grigg Sir James Grigg , Cardiff East

I am quite prepared to be convicted on individual cases, but one swallow does not make a summer. I am quite prepared to maintain that, in general, the Army is not misusing its men.