16. Mr. W. Joseph Stewartasked the Minister of Labour what steps he is taking to deal with the unemployed men 45 years of age and over, classed as miners on the unemployment register, who are not likely to be accepted as fit for immediate employment even if the standard set is reasonable?
§ Mr. E. BrownI feel sure that many of the unemployed miners of 45 years of age and over will be accepted for reemployment in the industry if a reasonable standard is set and that they will be able to give good service, but I am always glad to afford the opportunity to men whose immediate suitability has been reduced, by long unemployment or other causes, to take a course at one of my Department's instructional centres to help to restore their physical condition.
Mr. StewartIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that employers are refusing to employ men from 45 to 50 because they say they are not 100 per cent. fit, having been out of work for so many years? Has the Department any scheme to help to bring these men back into industry?
§ Mr. BrownIt is with that idea in mind that I have given the answer I have. If the hon. Member reads it at leisure, he will find it thoroughly sympathetic to the ideal that we both have in common.
§ Mr. LawsonDo I understand that the right hon. Gentleman is considering special arrangements to re-fit these men for their special kind of work?
§ Mr. BrownThat is what the answer says. As the hon. Gentleman knows it often depends whether a reasonable standard is or is not set.