HC Deb 19 September 1940 vol 365 cc170-1
3. Captain Plugge

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the latest unemployment figures, he will take the 10 most essential industries to the prosecution of the war and state in each case how many men, trained in each such industry, are unemployed, together with the reasons for such unemployment?

Mr. Bevin

The numbers unemployed in various industries are published monthly in the Ministry of Labour "Gazette." Having regard to the many more urgent war-time tasks which are being undertaken by the staff of my Department, I do not think it practicable to make the detailed inquiries suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend. I have, however, arranged for all persons who have been unemployed for one month or more to be interviewed by panels with a view to ascertaining the reasons for their unemployment and suggesting the best method of getting them into employment.

Colonel Arthur Evans

Are the panels to be established locally with representatives of both employers and employés on them?

Mr. Bevin

Yes, Sir. They consist of people taken from the local unemployment committees.

Sir Henry Morris-Jones

Can the Minister explain how it is that trained mechanics and engineers are now without work and cannot get it? I have sent him an example of this.

Mr. Bevin

I will inquire about the example which the hon. Member sent me, and which I have not seen yet; but I am not aware that there is any considerable number of mechanics unemployed, except in the ordinary course of labour turnover, which goes on all the time.