HC Deb 08 November 1939 vol 353 cc209-10
48. Mr. Leach

asked the Minister of Supply how many men of military age are employed in the wool control; and what percentage of the total is so comprised?

Mr. Burgin

Thirty-six, or 20 per cent. of the male staff, are between 18 and 41 years of age; of this number only 4, or 2 per cent. of the male staff, are under 35 years of age. This relates to the headquarters of the control; there are in addition a number of small offices in different parts of the country for which the information is not immediately available.

Mr. Leach

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the head office to which he refers is a sort of hide-out in a little Wharfdale village 15 miles away from the nearest wool centre, and that it cannot do its business properly and is an inconvenience to everybody?

Mr. Burgin

If an air raid was anticipated it was thought that it would be a good idea to have the control dispersed a little.

Mr. Leach

What about the people whose jobs are concerned?

Mr. Levy

Is the right hon. Gentleman quite sure that 36 is only 20 per cent.? Does that mean that only 180 people are employed in this control?

Mr. Burgin

I have given figures for which I was asked, the percentage of the male staff between 18 and 41 years of age. I am satisfied that my figures are correct.

Mr. Levy

Does that mean that 180 are employed in the central board?

49. Mr. Leach

asked the Minister of Supply whether any attempt has been made to fill wool-control posts with competent persons displaced from the textile trade in consequence of control?

Mr. Burgin

Yes, Sir, and a number of such persons have in fact been engaged by the control.

Mr. Leach

Does not the Minister know that great dissatisfaction exists in the trade by reason of the fact that the services of the most competent leaders of the industry have almost always been declined?

Mr. Burgin

I am extremely sorry if any such opinion prevails, and I should like to have an opportunity of looking into it.

51. Mr. Leach

asked the Minister of Supply whether forms E.C. 3720 10.39 and E.C. 3721 10.39 Wool Control, to be signed by a chartered or incorporated accountant, may likewise be signed by any properly qualified accountant not a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants or the Society of Accountants and Auditors?

Mr. Burgin

Yes, Sir. The signature of a member of any of the recognised organisations of accountants will be accepted.