HC Deb 09 May 1923 vol 163 cc2332-3
28. Mr. PENNEFATHER

asked the Minister of Labour how many able-bodied ex-service men there are in this country who are out of employment; what steps are being taken to assist them to obtain employment in their own trades or to train them for other trades in which labour is required; and how many of such men can be assisted to emigrate if they so desire under any Government scheme during the next 12 months?

Sir M. BARLOW

The number of able-bodied ex-service men at present registered at the Employment Exchanges as unemployed is estimated to be about 300,000. Preference for vacancies notified to Employment Exchanges is given by the Exchanges to ex-service men, and on relief works financially assisted by the State not less than 75 per cent. of the total labour required must in general be ex-service men. The Industrial Training Scheme is limited to disabled ex-service men who are prevented by their War disability from resuming their pre-War occupation, and in view of the unemployment still existing in almost every occupation I am afraid it is not practicable to extend it. With reference to the last part of my hon. Friend's question, I would refer him to the answer given on 26th February last by the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies to the hon. Member for Newcastle North (Mr. Grattan Doyle).

Mr. PENNEFATHER

Is it not the case that there is, or is likely to be in the near future, a shortage of labour in certain trades, and could not the right hon. Gentleman take the first steps in training disabled men to meet the case?

Sir M. BARLOW

I shall be very glad if my hon. Friend will indicate to me the trades in which there is likely to be a shortage.

Mr. LAWSON

Is it not a fact that there will probably be more unemployed ex-service men if the Trade Agreement with Russia is broken?