RELEASE OF MEN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 March 1943, Page 2

RELEASE OF MEN

FROM ARMED FORCES IMPORTANT CHANGES IN PROCEDURE. STATEMENT BY PRIME MINISTER (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. Important changes in the procedure for the release of men from the armed forces following the proposals discussed during the manpower debate in the House of Representatives last week were announced by the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, last night. He also stated that every effort would be made to release from industry for the armed forces the maximum number of men belonging to the overseas class. “It has been decided to release from the Army selected men who are required for important industries,” said the Prime Minister. “A complete survey of men in the Army has accordingly been made to determine the number of men available and suitable for employment in these industries. A preliminary selection is being made by the National Service Department from the survey cards, and particulars will then be sent to district manpower Officers. These officers will investigate the circumstances and if necessary interview the proposed employer and the soldier to dettermine the needs of the industry or business and the suitability of the soldier for employment in that industry or business. They will also ascertain from the soldiers’ unit commander whether the soldier can be reasonably released from military service. If it is decided that the soldier should be released he will be given a direction order directing him to report to a manpower officer or a particular empoyer. Every man released to industry will be given a reasonable choice of employment and anyone dissatisfied with a direction of a manpower officer has, of course, the right of appeal to a manpower appeal committee. “The object of the decisions which have been made for the release of men from the armed forces is to ensure that, consistent with the fulfilment of our obligations to furnish the required reinforcements for overseas service and to maintain essential home defence establishments as many men as possible are released for employment in industry,” said Mr Fraser. “It follows that men' who are eligible for overseas service, and members of the Navy and Air Force, will be released only in very exceptional circumstances and also that every effort will be made to release from Industry for the armed forces the maximum number of men belonging to the overseas class.