§ 2. Mr. Tinkerasked the Minister of Labour how many men over 65 years of age have made application at the Employment Exchanges to be placed in employment; and how many have been found jobs?
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Bevin)I regret that the statistics desired are not available.
§ Mr. TinkerIs my right hon. Friend aware that many of these people could be of service to the State if found suitable work, and could not the matter be reorganised to put younger men in the jobs for which they are best suited, putting older men in their place? I am satisfied that he will find plenty of men to do that.
§ Mr. BevinI am constantly putting pressure on my Regional chairmen to comb through these men time and time again, and replacement is going on all the time, but I have not kept statistics on actual numbers.
§ Mr. BuchananIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the feeling of a good many people over 65 years of age that it is wrong to sign at the Exchange because they think that there is some connection between that and benefit? Will he make it clear, if he can, that a man can sign at the Exchange for employment?