[(Encl. to p.2.E.B. 28/2) Copy on 17/82F.]
MLS
Executive Board .
Revised Schedule of Reserved Occupations .

Proof copies of the proposed new Schedule of Reserved Occupations have been received from the Ministry of Labour with a request that the Ministry of Information should furnish their observations not later than 4th March 1941 for discussion, if necessary, between representatives of the Department and the Chairman of the Manpower Committee on 5th or 6th March. A revised proof of the Schedule, as amended in view of the discussion, will be brought before the Manpower Committee for confirmation, probably about 15th March. In view of the manpower position it is not to be anticipated that any major changes in the proposals will be accepted.

The effect of the proposals in regard to occupations in which the Ministry of Information has a special interest is set out in the attached statement.

S.D.C.

27th February 1941

MLS

Proposals under the new Schedule of Reserved Occupations which affect Ministry of Information interests are as Shown below.

Stage A occur immediately, that is to say the raising of ages in Stage A is effective as from 1st April 1941- But men de-reserved at this stage will not as a rule be required to join their units before 1st June 1941.

The Second and Third stages will be reached at dates which cannot now be stated exactly, but men de-reserved at the B. stage will not as a rule be required to join their units before 1st August 1941. Men de-reserved at the C. stage will not as a rule be required to join their units before 1st October 1941.

Electricians and Radio Engineers will be subject to a double age reservation, usually 25/35, but in some cases 23/35, where the occupation is subject to distinction between protected and unprotected work, the lower age applying to protected and the higher age to unprotected work. Protected work can for this purpose be defined as “establishments wholly or mainly engaged on Government work.”