HC Deb 26 October 1939 vol 352 cc1535-6
8. Mr. James Griffiths

asked the Minister of Labour whether arrangements have been made by which labour required at ordnance factories is to be recruited through the agency of the Employment Exchanges; whether there is any age bar to the employment of men at these establishments; and whether any preference is to be given to men long unemployed?

Mr. E. Brown

It is the practice for the ordnance factories to use the Employment Exchanges for the recruitment of labour. As a rule men over 65 years are not engaged, but this rule is relaxed in the case of men who have had previous experience or who are otherwise suitable for the work. While no specific preference is given to men long unemployed, the exchanges will continue to take every opportunity to submit them if they appear to be able to do the work.

Mr. Griffiths

Do we gather that there is no lower age ban than 65 years and that the Employment Exchanges are pressing the claims of the long unemployed?

Mr. Brown

Certainly.