§ 44. Sir George Mitchesonasked the Minister of Labour whether his attention 666 has been drawn to the continued high level of unemployment in the Metropolitan area; and what steps are being used to bring this reserve of labour into the national war effort?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Assheton)The number of those unemployed in the London division has fallen considerably since the beginning of the year. It must be recognised, however, that the opportunities for normal employment in that area have been greatly reduced owing to war-time measures, and this process will be intensified in the near future. It will be necessary in a large number of cases for those thrown out of employment to be prepared to take work in other districts, and in appropriate cases the Ministry of Labour will pay lodging allowances. Many of the men will be suitable for engineering training in the Government centres, and I hope that they will take advantage of the opportunities which exist in this direction.