§ 27. Mr. R. C. Morrisonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether he is aware that the number of unemployed skilled building trade workers is rapidly increasing in the London area; and whether he has any proposals whereby these men may be employed?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings (Mr. Hicks)There has been some increase in unemployment among building crafts men in the London area since September, 1941, due partly to weather conditions. With regard to the second part of the Question, special steps are being taken to find other employment for these unemployed men in the building or other industries.
§ Mr. MorrisonWhen the special steps are taken, will they be announced as quickly as possible, as it is tremendously difficult for people carrying on propaganda to the effect that not a minute should be wasted when hundreds of skilled workers are signing on at the Employment Exchanges?
§ Mr. HicksI can assure my hon. Friend that the matter is one of some personal anxiety to me. I have taken it up very actively, and the annnouncement will be made shortly.
§ Commander Locker-LampsonOught anybody to be unemployed in war-time?