HC Deb 29 May 1940 vol 361 cc537-8
41. Dr. Little

asked the Minister of Supply whether, in view of the letter which he and other Ministers have received drawing attention to the large number of unemployed joiners in the city of Belfast and district who are prepared to do their part towards hastening victory, he will immediately take steps to have the services of these men utilised in every possible way in the national interest at a time when their skilled labour is so much needed towards the winning of the war?

Mr. H. Morrison

I am looking into this matter in conjunction with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service.

Dr. Little

May I ask what the Minister proposes to do in order to meet the serious situation which was brought to the notice of this House a few months ago, and is being aggravated week by week, in the case of these workers in Belfast? Surely there is some work available for them?

Mr. Morrison

I shall be anxious to provide useful employment for anybody who is without work, but I ought to point out that wood-work is not in the category of the most difficult items with which the Ministry has to deal. I am sure, however, that this matter will receive not only my attention but also the attention of the Minister of Labour in connection with the general mobilisation of the labour resources of the United Kingdom.

Mr. Burke

Is it not true that a large number of wood-workers are out of employment all over the country as well as in Belfast?

Mr. Morrison

I quite agree. I believe there is unemployment among wood-workers generally.

Sir Percy Harris

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very serious distress and waste of energy which are being caused by this unemployment; and will he apply his mind to seeing whether these highly-skilled craftsmen cannot be employed in their own trade, or diverted to munitions work?

Mr. Morrison

Certainly the matter will be given attention, but the hon. Gentleman will appreciate that in the new circumstances it is very much a matter for consideration by the Ministry of Labour. My immediate business is to get the speediest output of the munitions which are actually required.