HC Deb 25 June 1935 vol 303 cc945-7
32. Mr. GEORGE HALL

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give the name of any industry or district in which there is a shortage of skilled workers?

Mr. E. BROWN

An adequate reply to this question would demand a close analysis of the general unemployment position impossible in answer to a question. In general, however, the hon. Member will realise that the existence of heavy unemployment among unskilled workers in many trades does not imply that there does not exist a shortage of highly skilled workers in certain branches of certain trades. I cannot by way of question and answer cover the whole ground, but I would cite as an example that shortages of certain classes of skilled workers in both engineering and building trades are reported from various districts.

Mr. HALL

Can my right hon. Friend tell us upon what evidence the statement made by members of the present Government that there is a shortage of skilled workers was based?

Mr. BROWN

My difficulty has been to give the full answer that I should wish to give to the hon. Member, but there is a long schedule of districts. I will append to the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of certain places, and, if the places with which he is concerned are not included, perhaps he will talk to me about the matter.

Mr. HALL

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the industries?

Mr. BROWN

I have done that—engineering and building.

Sir PERCY HARRIS

Will my right hon. Friend give us a complete schedule of all the areas where there is a real shortage, including London, as it is of great importance to people in London to know where these skilled jobs are?

Mr. BROWN

The schedule is very long, but I will append a short list, and perhaps the hon. Member will consult with me as to any particular area or industry.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any idea in which district and in which branch of the engineering industry there is a shortage of skilled labour?

Mr. BROWN

If the hon. Member will look at the OFFICIAL REPORT to-morrow, he will see the details given in connection with certain towns.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Will the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to receive a deputation from the Amalgamated Society of Engineers, representing a quarter of a million organised engineers in this country, which will go to prove to him that there is no such thing as a shortage, and that we can meet any demand for the highest skilled engineers who may be required either in Birmingham or anywhere else?

Mr. BROWN

. The hon. Member had better read the OFFICIAL REPORT to-morrow.

Following is the list referred to:

Some of the districts in which shortages are reported are:

Engineering.

Building.