HC Deb 19 June 1939 vol 348 cc1811-2
61. Mr. Thurtle

asked the Lord Privy Seal why instructions have been issued by his Department to Employment Exchanges in the London area that when men are wanted for air-raid precautions work such as trench construction, preference should be given to men between the ages of 18 and 30; and whether he will consider allowing the managers of exchanges to exercise their discretion in this matter?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Lennox-Boyd)

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's statement on 18th May in reply to a question on this subject by the hon. Member for Pontypool (Mr. Jenkins). As explained then, it is my right hon. Friend's desire that the instructions referred to shall be applied with due regard to local circumstances. The divisional controller is arranging to review the matter at the exchanges in the London area.

Mr. Thurtle

Can the hon. Member say whether this instruction applies over the whole country, and may I take it from his reply that managers of exchanges may now exercise their discretion in this matter and are not bound by instructions?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Managers of exchanges have always been able to exercise their discretion in this matter. The arrangement applies to the country as a whole because it is the view of the Government that long-term unemployment in the younger groups represents a peculiar social problem.