HC Deb 11 May 1939 vol 347 cc659-60
13. Sir Joseph Leech

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the shortage of female labour in the West Riding of Yorkshire clothing trade; and whether, in view of the fact that there are 300,000 women and girls on the unemployed registers, he will consult trade union officials associated with the Special Areas with a view to concerting schemes to train unemployed women in those areas, or for their transfer to the employment awaiting them at trade union rates in districts at a distance from their homes?

Mr. E. Brown

I am aware that there are shortages in the West Riding clothing trade owing to the exhaustion of the local supply of skilled labour. Training for this work is normally best carried out by employers in their own premises, and my Department will be glad to co-operate with employers wishing to engage and train unskilled workers at rates of pay enabling them to live away from home. Some employers have aimed at meeting the difficulty by establishing branches in the areas in which there are large numbers of unemployed women.

Mr. T. Smith

Can the right hon. Gentleman state in which part of the West Riding of Yorkshire there is a shortage of female labour?

Mr. Brown

If the hon. Member will put a question on a Paper, I will give him particulars.

Mr. Leonard

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to ensure that no person is transferred to these districts unless the job is more than a temporary one?

Mr. Brown

The issue would not arise. The House will understand that my answer refers to the West Riding clothing trade.