§ 29. Mr. Scollanasked the Minister of Labour if, in view of the importance of engineering toolmaking to all industries in the nation, he will consider deferring, for two years, the call-up of young toolmakers and skilled technicians engaged in this section of industry.
§ 31. Mr. Palmerasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the difficulties which are being caused in the engineering industry by the call-up for the Forces of skilled toolmakers; and whether, in view of the importance of retooling for peace production and the export trade, he will reconsider the present policy.
§ Mr. IsaacsThe call-up of men from the engineering industry must proceed if the programmes of release from and intake to the Forces are to be maintained. In view of the present labour shortage the call-up may cause some difficulty to employers both in the engineering: industry and elsewhere, but every effort will be made to reduce these to the minimum particularly as regards highly skilled men who are needed for the re-establishment of our vital civilian industries.
§ Mr. ScollanIs my right hon. Friend aware that the engineering toolmaking industry must not be confused with the engineering industry in general, and that it is the basic foundation of the whole of our industries? Is he also aware that numerous industries in the country to-day are depending on that section to supply them with the necessary tools to make machinery?
§ Mr. IsaacsYes, Sir. I can inform my hon. Friend that toolmakers who were born before 1923 and who are engaged upon important work are not being called up.
§ Mr. PalmerCan my right hon. Friend say whether the policy of the Government is to widen existing bottlenecks, and not create fresh ones?
§ Mr. IsaacsThat is the policy.
§ Mr. StokesIs my right hon. Friend aware that these toolmakers cannot be replaced by men returning from the Forces, and that if he takes these men away he will cause a great deal of engineering unemployment?