HC Deb 15 February 1940 vol 357 cc921-2
15. Mr. R. C. Morrison

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that many thousands of highly-skilled woodworkers are unemployed, and that the number is increasing; and what steps are being taken to utilise the skill of these men in the war effort?

Mr. E. Brown

I am aware that unemployment amongst certain classes of skilled woodworkers has increased as a result of the change from peace to war conditions. Following discussions with certain trade unions concerned, the attention of local offices was specially drawn to the possibility of securing alternative opportunities of employment for such workers, and I am hopeful that, in the expansion of the war effort, their services will thus be fully utilised.