§ 1. Captain Lyonsasked the Minister of Labour whether he can state, out of the 199,000 names now on the Central Register, approximately how many relate to persons in employment; and of that figure how many can be said to relate to persons engaged in work for the national war effort?
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Bevin)Figures are not currently kept on the basis of the hon. Member's inquiry, but a special count was undertaken a year ago for the Select Committee on National Expenditure, when it was found that 96 per cent, of the persons on the Central Register were then in employment. It is estimated that less than 3 per cent. of those on the Register are now unemployed. In considering these figures, it should be borne in mind that enrolment on the Register is open to all persons with the prescribed qualifications, without regard to their suitability in any other respect for active employment. For the last part of the Question I would refer the hon. Member to my answer to his Question of 29th May on the work of the Central Register.
§ Captain LyonsIs it not the fact that a year ago, when the revision was made, the figure on the Register was much less than the figure to-day, and if there is nothing to show how the Register can be utilised, will the right hon. Gentleman wind up the whole thing and put an end to this waste of money?