§ 49. Mr. Tinkerasked the Prime Minister whether, in order to give consideration to the ever-growing problem of the unemployed man over 55 years of age, he will move to set up a Select Committee to examine this matter and make a report as to what means should be adopted to find them suitable employment?
§ The Prime MinisterMy right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour stated, in reply to a question addressed to him on 2nd February, that the problem of the older unemployed is engaging his attention. I do not think that the appointment of a Select Committee would serve any useful purpose.
§ Mr. TinkerIs the Prime Minister aware that the mechanisation which is taking place now is displacing older men who have to go first, and that when work starts again they have no chance at all to get employment? Cannot he give us some assurance that this matter is being looked into, thus giving some hope to the older men?
§ The Prime MinisterThe matter is being looked into in this country, but it is a problem not confined to any one country. I hope that the investigations which are taking place in other countries will help us in finding some solution.