HC Deb 19 June 1940 vol 362 cc154-6
34. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour whether he is aware that there are thousands of skilled engineers who desire to make a greater contribution to the national effort, many of whom are working pre-war hours; that many of these men have applied for permission to leave in order to start at firms where men are feeling the strain of continuous overtime and have been refused; that some firms engaged on urgently required equipment are not on continuous working; and what steps are being taken to ensure maximum production by using skilled experience to the best advantage, avoiding strain and encouraging the workpeople in their effort for the nation?

Mr. Assheton

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement made on 22nd May by my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal as to the establishment of the Production Council and local organisations based on area boards to deal with the regulation of labour supply. The Labour Supply Committees are beginning to function, and a staff of inspectors of labour supply has been appointed. The immediate duties of these bodies will include a survey of the labour position in their areas and the arrangements for transferring workpeople from one factory or job to another as required to secure the best use of available labour. Skilled engineers at present engaged on nonessential production who want to transfer to armaments work should give their names and addresses and occupations to the local Employment Exchange, but they should not leave their present employment until asked to do so. I have no information that permission is being refused to men engaged on less essential work to leave their employment for work of national importance. If my hon. Friend has knowledge of such cases, perhaps he would be good enough to send me particulars. I would also refer my hon. Friend to the reply I have just given to the hon. Member for Llanelly (Mr. J. Griffiths) on the subject of the health and welfare of workers.

Mr. Smith

In view of the fact that the answer is totally unsatisfactory, will the Parliamentary Secretary ask his right hon. Friend to consult the Minister of Supply and the Minister for Aircraft Production as soon as possible because of the uneasiness which is finding expression in the engineering industry? Further, will he as soon as possible see that all the available skilled labour is utilised in order that the nation can get the best possible results and that three shifts are worked in the case of the most needed equipment, and aircraft production?

Mr. Assheton

I need hardly say that my right hon. Friend is in constant touch with the Minister of Supply and the Minister for Aircraft Production, and is most anxious to meet all the demands that are made.

Mr. Shinwell

Has the Parliamentary Secretary any information to show that in some factories engaged on essential production the men are not fully employed? Is that matter being immediately investigated?

Mr. Assheton

That is a matter which is not a concern only of the Minister of Labour.

Mr. Shinwell

Is not the question of the full utilisation of our labour resources in munition factories a question for the Minister of Labour?

Mr. Assheton

It is a question in which the Minister of Labour has a close and important interest, but it is a matter which also concerns other Departments.

Sir Percy Harris

Will the Parliamentary Secretary see that these Ministries do not work in watertight compartments and that there is more liaison beween them, so that results may be obtained more quickly?

Mr. Assheton

There is no question of the Departments working in watertight compartments, and the Production Council is in constant session.

Mr. Gordon Macdonald

Is the Minister aware that there are thousands of skilled engineers doing insurance work in the country? Does he not think that these men should report to the Employment Exchanges throughout the country?

Mr. Assheton

I hope that the Question and the Supplementary Questions will draw further attention to this matter.