HC Deb 12 March 1936 vol 309 c2291
18. Mr. ELLIS SMITH

asked the Minister of Labour in what section of industry there is a scarcity of skilled craftsmen; and why his Department rejected the offer of the National Council of Aircraft Workers to supply skilled craftsmen for any vacancies in the industry?

Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEAD

In reply to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 5th December last to the hon. Member for Huddersfield (Mr. Mabane). As regards the second part, the secretary of the council was informed of the arrangements by which, in cases where vacancies cannot be filled from among the applicants on the register of an Employment Exchange, the branch secretary of the appropriate trade union is notified in order that he may advise any of his members who are unemployed, and may be suitable for the work, to call at the Exchange in connection with the vacancies.

Mr. SMITH

Is the Minister aware of the repeated statements made regarding a scarcity of skilled labour, and seeing that three months have elapsed since his last statement will he not re-consider his answer?

Mr. THORNE

Can the Minister tell us whether there is any trade or calling in which the demand for labour is bigger than the supply?

Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEAD

In the previous answer my right hon. Friend stated that circumstances varied from place to place, but that a number of difficulties had arisen regarding vacancies for bricklayers and plasterers in many areas, and in the more highly skilled branches of the engineering trade, and that statement still largely stands.