HC Deb 25 June 1936 vol 313 cc1933-4
20. Mr. A. V. ALEXANDER

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the statement in the report of the Unemployment Assistance Board to the effect that firms in the Sheffield district have been recruiting and training young men but leaving on the market the older men; and what steps he proposes to take to secure fair treatment in regard to employment to men on the list of the Unemployment Assistance Board who have a good record?

Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEAD

I am aware of the passage to which the right hon. Member refers. Applicants for unemployment allowances are required to register at the Employment Exchanges for employment, and are considered, equally with other persons registered, for submission for vacancies notified to the Exchanges for which they appear to be suitable. The Department have, however, no means of controlling the final selection of workpeople for engagement, which rests with the employer.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman call for a special report from the Sheffield Exchanges as to the statement in the report, and will he undertake that there shall be no dilution of labour in skilled trades in connection with the Government's other proposals until these men are properly absorbed?

Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEAD

I will consider both suggestions, but I can give no undertaking on either point.

Mr. BOULTON

Does not this show that the question of skilled labour has become a great problem owing to the success of the National Government policy? But can my hon. and gallant Friend assure the House that the question of skilled labour is being carefully reviewed owing to the urgency of strengthening our national defences?

Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEAD

I can assure my hon. Friend that the question is being most forcibly kept in mind.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Are there not hundreds of skilled men on the register in Sheffield who are definitely being refused employment?

Mr. BOULTON

Will my hon. and gallant Friend also bear in mind that the report states that there has been practically no skilled labour unemployed in Rotherham during 1935?