HC Deb 04 July 1940 vol 362 cc975-6
1. Mr. A. Edwards

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will use his powers to prevent the utilisation of labour on any but vital war production?

The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Bevin)

I intend to use my powers in order to secure an effective priority in the supply of labour for vital war production; but I presume my hon. Friend would not wish me to create unemployment by stopping useful work if the workers concerned are not required for more urgent or important work.

Mr. Edwards

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, within a few minutes of this House, there are men employed on finishing a certain building, while next door other men are employed protecting buildings already up; also, that men are employed protecting monuments that ought never to have been erected?

16. Mr. Kenneth Lindsay

asked the Minister of Labour what functions he has assigned to Sir William Beveridge in connection with man-power?

Mr. Bevin

I have appointed Sir William Beveridge as commissioner to survey the available resources of manpower of all kinds and to report thereon with suggestions as to the means by which these resources can be utilised fully for national purposes. The survey will cover man-power in all forms, that is to say, men, women and young persons now in employment or out of employment. Sir William Beveridge will not exercise any executive powers as commissioner.

Mr. Lindsay

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that somebody does exercise executive powers to put these suggestions into practice?

Mr. Bevin

That duty has been entrusted to me by Parliament.

Mr. Lipson

Can my right hon. Friend say how long Sir William Beveridge will take to complete this report?

Mr. Bevin

That, I cannot answer, but as each group of suggestions is dealt with they will be brought to me immediately, and I am in daily touch with him.