HC Deb 19 March 1928 vol 215 cc14-6
44. Mr. E. BROWN

asked the Minister of Labour if he has received any Reports from the Industrial Transference Board; and, if so, whether he proposes to make them available to Members of this House?

The MINISTER of LABOUR (Sir Arthur Steel-Maitland)

I have not received any report from the Board, but I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 7th March to the hon. Member for Aberdare (Mr. G. Hall).

Mr. BATEY

How long does the Minister think this Transference Board will have to be in existence before he receives a report showing that they have found work for any men?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

Perhaps the hon. Member would repeat the question, as I really could not hear it.

Mr. BATEY

I was asking how long the Minister considers that this Transference Board will have to be in existnce before he recives a report showing that they have found work for any men?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

From that point of view, no term is set to the existence of the Board., and I am in touch with it.

Mr. BATEY

Is the Minister not aware that the President of the Board of Trade said that this Board would be set up on 7th December. Has there not been sufficient time for the Board to present a report showing that they have found work for at least one man?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I can assure the hon. Member that they have found work for a great many more than one man. I have explained a number of times that what they have been doing is to co-operate with the existing officials and have been trying to put extra power behind the different executive departments. I have no doubt that in due time, and if Parliament wishes it, I can produce a written statement of what the Board have been doing. I have no doubt, if there is interest in Parliament, that I can do it before long. I have been in touch with the Board and I know what they have been doing. For example, they are approaching different employers of labour in order to try to find places for men.

Mr. E. BROWN

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there is wide public interest in the operations of this Board, and does he not consider that it would be wise for him to call for a report, so that Members of this House, and people in the country who have an interest in the matter, may know what is going on?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I will consider that point.