HC Deb 14 March 1940 vol 358 cc1342-3
10. Sir H. Williams

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons at present on the Central Register and on the two subsidiary registers which are maintained by the same staff; and the average weekly number of persons placed in employment from all three registers?

Mr. E. Brown

The number of persons enrolled on the Central Register on 29th February was 90,743 and on the two subsidiary registers 2,020 and 2,075 respectively. The average weekly number of persons notified as placed in employment from the Central Register between 16th October and 29th February is 192. As differing factors govern placing on the other two registers no combined average can be given, but I will send to my hon. Friend such particulars as are readily available.

Sir H. Williams

Do I understand that it takes one person employed in these Departments a week to fix one person in employment?

Mr. Brown

No, I would not agree to that. An average may be a mathematical fact but a social and spiritual fiction.

Sir H. Williams

Allowing for the hangover from last Saturday's performance, will my right hon. Friend say whether it takes 123 people a week to give employment to 192?

Mr. Brown

That is not so.

17. Mr. Creech Jones

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the public advertising by Government Departments for dieticians, he will consider the inclusion of such practical and professional workers in the Central Register?

Mr. Brown

I have not been able to trace any recent advertisements of this kind by Government Departments. I am not at present satisfied that any useful purpose would be served by enrolling dieticians on the Central Register.

Mr. Creech Jones

Will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider this point in view of the training and experience of these people, not only in nutrition and food values, but in cooking, and could he ascertain from other Departments whether there has been some advertising for this particular class?

Mr. Brown

Perhaps the hon. Member will give me a clue to his Question, for I have not been able to trace it.