40. Mr. De la Bèreasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the schemes which are being formulated for rationalisation of industry throughout the country, the Government will take adequate steps to ensure the prevention of middle-class unemployment before universal reconstruction absorbs displacements?
§ Sir A. DuncanThe policy of concentration has been applied to a number of industries to meet the circumstances created by the war and is not designed to lead to permanent changes in the industrial structure. The policy is being operated in close co-operation with the Minister of Labour, who is taking the necessary measures to provide for the re-absorption into employment of all types of displaced workers, including middle-class workers.
Mr. De la BèreDoes my right hon. Friend realise that compensation is no solution for these problems?
§ Sir A. DuncanYes, I do.
Mr. De la BèreDoes my right hon. Friend realise further that there is not really sufficient support for the middle classes from hon. Members belonging to all parties in this House?
§ Mr. ShinwellIf a shopkeeper is thrown out of business through no fault of his own and because of some act on the part of the Government, why should not he be compensated for it?
§ Sir A. DuncanThis question has no relevance to shopkeepers.
§ Mr. ShinwellHas it not relevance to the concentration of industry and the displacement of shopkeepers?