§ 3. Mr. Tinkerasked the Minister of Labour whether he is in a position to state what is the proportion of men over 55 years of age who have been taken on by the contractors who have got contracts to do Government work for the Air Ministry; and will he give separate figures for the works in progress at Chorley, Lancashire?
§ Mr. E. BrownI regret that the information desired by the hon. Member is not available.
§ Mr. TinkerWill the right hon. Gentleman try to get these statistics because the information is that men over 55 years of age are not being employed by the contractors?
§ Mr. BrownThe hon. Member will understand that this work is not done through the Employment Exchange, and I shall have to ask for a return from each contractor.
§ Mr. TinkerThe Prime Minister said that inquiries were being made into this matter, and that the Government are trying to deal with it. How can we deal with this matter unless we get the information?
§ Mr. BrownThe hon. Member knows that I have always done my best to oblige hon. Members who ask for any information.
§ Mr. A. JenkinsCannot the right hon. Gentleman obtain information as to the number of persons over 55 years of age who have been placed in work?
§ Mr. BrownWe have not the information in that form, and it will mean an analysis of every case in which a man has been placed, but I will see whether the information can be obtained. As hon. Members know, I attach importance to this aspect of the problem.