asked the Minister of Labour whether he will arrange for the period spent in the mines of optants for that form of national service at the time they were originally called up, who are now in the Army, to be taken into account in determining their period of Army service.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. and learned Member for Daventry (Mr. Manningham-Buller) on 21st January, a copy of which I am sending him.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this is not good enough? Does he not consider that there is something incongruous in putting these men in a worse position than those who considered themselves unfortunate in being balloted into such a position? Is he aware that many of those who opted for mining did so under the stress of serious domestic circumstances, and why should they be penalised for it?

I would ask my hon. Friend to look at the reply I have referred to.

Is the Minister aware that that answer gives no reasons for his decision? Is he further aware that these men when registering were urged to give full weight to the importance of increasing manpower in the coal industry, which largely determined their choice of service to the nation? Is it the policy of the Government to victimise volunteers?

I am tempted to say that some people know more about victimisation than others. I would remind the hon. and learned Member that we have to consider fair play to the men who have borne the heat and burden of the war in the Forces, as well as to the men outside.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.