HC Deb 16 December 1942 vol 385 cc1922-3
49. Mr. Simmonds

asked the Minister of Production whether he is aware that vital war production for 1943 is liable to be seriously decreased on account of the refusal of the Minister of Labour to undertake that where a supply department certifies the production at any works to be essential he will refrain from transferring labour without finding a suitable substitute; and what action he proposes to take to safeguard essential war production?

Mr. Lyttelton

Essential war production is adequately safeguarded by arrangements made by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service. Transfers of labour from such work are only made after any necessary consultation with the Ministers concerned, and are subject to the provision of substitutes where the need for them is established.

Mr. Simmonds

Is my right hon. Friend aware that last week the Minister of Labour said that in future he could not give this guarantee? Does he realise that this will cause great confusion in industry? Is not that matter one to be settled in Whitehall and not continually in struggles between Ministers and managements up and down the country?

Mr. Lyttelton

The Government cannot consider reserving whole factories or industries. Deferment is by individual cases, and, if there are any which are causing interruptions to production, I hope my hon. Friend will refer them to me or to the Supply Minister concerned.

Mr. Austin Hopkinson

How can a Ministry of Production function effectively unless it has absolute control of labour?

Mr. Lyttelton

Labour is a central service and is used for other matters than munitions production. I have the duty of telling the Minister of Labour where the emphasis on production should lie.