HC Deb 05 February 1931 vol 247 cc2093-4
71. Mr. EGAN

asked the Minister of Health if, in view of the large number of unemployed clerks and professional men, he will issue recommendations to local authorities to employ as many as possible of such men for the compilation of the coming census?

75. Mr. ALPASS

asked the Minister of Health if he will take steps to ensure that as many of the unemployed as possible are engaged for the forthcoming census?

Miss LAWRENCE

My right hon. Friend has, of course, given the most careful consideration to this matter, since all would agree that the unemployed should have the maximum opportunity of work consistent with success in carrying out the census work, which, I may observe, so far as it is enumeration, does not last very long. It is a condition of such success that persons recruited as enumerators must be fully qualified for the work, and must also be so situated that they can be relied on to be available for instruction during the necessary interval between their appointment and the census, and to do the work without fail when the day comes. Therefore, enumerators are required to bind themselves under penalty not to make default. Wholesale recourse to the unemployed in such conditions is not consistent either with their interests or with safety in the census arrangements, since, if offered regular work in the interval, they must refuse the offer or make default. My right hon. Friend has, however, taken all steps practicable to see that full consideration is given to unemployed persons, with the necessary qualifications, so situated that they can be relied on to do the work efficiently when the time comes. The success of the census enumeration has, however, to be the paramount factor in deciding what can and should be done.

Mr. ALPASS

Will my hon. Friend represent to the Minister the desirability of seeing whether it is not possible and practicable to reduce the period of recruitment for these people?

Miss LAWRENCE

I assure my hon. Friend that that matter has been under very careful consideration, and I am afraid I cannot hold out any hope that it may be possible.

Captain A. HUDSON

Could the hon. Lady give the House any idea of what sort of number will be employed on this work?

Miss LAWRENCE

I should like notice of that question, but it will be a large number.