§ 14. Mr. J. Griffithsasked the Minister of Labour what is the number of workers normally employed in the tinplate trade in South Wales that are unemployed; and what steps are being taken to provide them with work?
§ Mr. BevinThe latest information available shows that in the South Wales tinplate industry 181 men and 131 women were unemployed. As indicated in my reply of 31st July, 1941, the use to be made of these workers is a matter in the first instance for the local Labour Supply (Iron and Steel) Committee. It is for that body to arrange, so far as is practicable, for any unemployed tinplate workers to be placed in employment in the iron and steel industry as provided for in the special scheme. The remainder will be placed in other work of national importance.
§ 17. Mr. J. Griffithsasked the Minister of Labour what investigations have taken place with a view to adapting the idle tin-plate works in Wales for the purpose of war production; and, having regard to the fact that these works were so adapted in the last war, whether he will take steps to secure that they are used in the nation's war effort?
§ Mr. BevinThe position has been fully investigated by the Production Executive Regional Board for Wales, and by all the Production Departments. It has not hitherto been found possible to use any substantial proportion of these works for war production, but all steps will continue to be taken to see that no possible opportunity shall be overlooked and further investigation of a proposal to use some of the works is now being made.