HC Deb 15 August 1940 vol 364 cc932-3
25. Mr. Brooke

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the number of women in London capable of work but unable to obtain it, after steadily diminishing throughout the early months of the year, has been increasing again ever since May although the whole nation has been urged to "Go to it"; and whether he will announce at an early date his definite plans for meeting the overwhelming desire of the women of London to pull their full weight in the national war effort?

Mr. Bevin

I am aware of the recent increase in the numbers of women in London registering for employment. I appreciate that they are anxious to take their part in the war effort, and there are already several directions in which they can do so, particulars of which are brought to their notice. I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement on "Offers of Service" which I made in June last, in which I specified openings for women anxious to undertake work of national importance. I propose to continue and intensify the existing methods of putting them in touch with employment as it becomes available.

Mr. Brooke

While thanking the Minister for his answer, may I ask him whether he will further inquire into such points as the refusal of Woolwich Arsenal to consider applications for employment from women over the age of 20 years and 6 months unless they live in the immediate vicinity?

Mr. Bevin

If my hon. Friend will give me some particulars, I will certainly go into it with the Ministry of Supply.

Sir Herbert Williams

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a good deal of irritation in the London area at the repeated appeals by Ministers to women to "line up" because when they do line up the Employment Exchanges have not the faintest idea what to do with them?

Miss Ward

Will the Minister examine all the obstacles which stand in the way of the employment of women, and is he aware that there are a good many?

Mr. Bevin

I think there is a considerable number of obstacles both in the way of men and women, and one of the greatest is the war.

Mr. Lyons

Why are there these obstacles to-day, when the work of all is needed in the national effort?

Mr. Bevin

It must not be assumed that because we are at war there is available employment for every person who is being put out of employment.

Mr. Craven-Ellis

There is bad organisation.

Mr. Bevin

Perhaps the hon. Member will wait to hear the whole of my answer. I indicated when I took office that unemployment was bound to arise due to restrictions upon commercial work, and the Ministry of Labour is dependent in the matter of the absorption of labour upon the programmes, and the speed of the placing of orders under their programmes, of the other Departments. The orders which can be given out are sometimes dependent both upon manufacturing facilities and materials being ready.

Sir H. Williams

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer my question?

Mr. Bevin

I could not understand it.

Sir H. Williams

May I repeat it?

Mr. Speaker rose—

Sir H. Williams

On a point of Order. If I put a perfectly proper question, which everybody understood—

Mr. Kirkwood

No, we did not.

Sir H. Williams

—is it in Order for a Minister to decline to attempt to answer it on the ground that he had not the capacity?

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member has heard what the Minister said.

Mr. Kirkwood

Further to that point of Order. Is it not the case that the critics of the present Minister of Labour are part of the majority which has been in control of the conditions in this country for the last 20 years?

Sir H. Williams

What about 1931?