§ 3. Mr. Levyasked the Minister of Labour what steps he proposes to take to deal with unemployment caused by the decision to apply restrictions to certain coastal areas?
§ Mr. BevinSubject to temporary requirements for defence works on which a large number of men have been employed, transfer to employment in other districts will in general be necessary. Such transfer has already been effected in many cases and is facilitated by the grant of lodging allowances by my Department in appropriate cases. Many of the men concerned are suitable for engineering training in the Government Centres, and I hope that they will take advantage of the opportunities which exist in this direction. As regards others, every effort is being made to put them in touch with employment, including Civil Defence and other work, in which they can help in the war effort. In the case of women, I would particularly call attention to the fact that in the three Women's Services, the Women's Royal Naval Service, the Auxiliary Territorial Service and the Women's Auxiliary Air Force, and in the Civil Defence Services, there are many openings calling for women for a variety of occupations for which their industrial experience would fit them. The Employment Exchanges will explain these openings to any women desiring information.