§ 24. Mr. G. TERRELLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the delay on the part of the Labour Exchanges in supplying the skilled labour required for War Office work; and whether he can state what course an employer is now permitted to take to obtain labour in cases where the Labour Exchanges have failed?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Pretyman)I am not aware of any delay on the part of Labour Exchanges in supplying labour other than that which is unavoidable owing to the actual shortage of certain classes of skilled labour. As regards the latter part of the question, I may point out that if the employer so desires he may, in addition to applying to the Labour Exchanges, publish a Press advertisement in accordance with the procedure set out in the "Notice to Newspaper Proprietors" issued by the Board, of which I am sending copies to the hon. Gentleman. As he is no doubt aware, further proposals for dealing with the supply of labour are at present before the House.
§ Mr. G. TERRELLIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that the Press advertisement to which he refers is simply a Press advertisement in the name of the Labour Exchange and not in the name of the proposed employer, and consequently of very little value?
§ Mr. PRETYMANThat is not quite the case, for labour obtainable within 10 miles there is no restriction; but for labour from a distance, on account of the danger of withdrawing men from other munitions work, the name of the employer cannot be given.