§ 3. Mr. A. Jenkinsasked the Minister of Labour the number of names recorded on the Central Register, and the number of persons for whom positions have been found?
§ Mr. E. BrownThe total number of persons recorded on the Central Register on 23rd April was 93,297, of whom the great majority were in employment. At that date 4,668 had been notified as transferred to new employment, and some 4,000 others were still under consideration.
§ 10. Sir George Mitchesonasked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the large number of technical and professional men, more particularly in the Metropolitan area, whose normal activities have been very much reduced as a result of the war; and what steps are being taken to make use of the services of such men in connection with the war effort?
§ Mr. BrownYes, Sir. My hon. Friend will be aware that temporary posts in the Government service requiring scientific, technical, professional or higher administrative qualifications are filled through the Central Register. The great majority of the volunteers on that register are already in employment, and the selection of volunteers is on the basis of their qualifications. It is open to unemployed professional persons, including those on the Central Register, to have their names enrolled in the Supplementary Register through which they can be brought in touch with other kinds of employment both in the Government service and outside in connection with the war effort.
§ Sir G. MitchesonWould the Minister consider giving a little more publicity to that scheme?
§ Mr. ShinwellIs the right hon. Gentleman availing himself fully of the services of these qualified persons, and is there not something faulty in our organisation when so many people are without employment at a time like this?