§ 3. Sir K. WOODasked the Minister of Labour if she has any definite plans to place before the House for the relief of unemployment of the young men who have been recently discharged from Woolwich Arsenal and other young men and women in this area?
§ Miss BONDFIELDSince the beginning of this year I understand that 135 employés of the Arsenal 21 years of age and under have been discharged and 55 2357 resigned. Of these 53 are now registered as unemployed at the Woolwich Exchange. The Exchanges will make every effort to place these workpeople in suitable employment and, subject to the conditions laid down by the local authority, they can be considered for employment on the various grant-aided schemes in the area.
§ Sir K. WOODDoes not the Minister of Labour think that there is a special obligation in the case of these young men under 21 years of age who have been dismissed by the Government, and who have not had any training for any other kind of work?
§ Miss BONDFIELDThe Government have a special obligation towards all young men in this position.
Mr. MACLEANIs there not an obligation in the case of other employers as well as the Government? Have they not an equal responsibility in regard to those whom they dismiss?
§ Sir K. WOODHow does that help these young men?