§ 7. Mr. A. Edwardsasked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider issu- 2122 ing an order prohibiting the use of labour in the production of commodities of any kind not essential for the war effort?
§ Mr. BevinThis is a matter in which my Department works in close consultation with the Board of Trade, arrangements for the withdrawal of labour being made in conformity with restrictions placed on production.
§ Mr. EdwardsDoes the right hon. Gentleman think it a very sensible matter to allow labour to be used for producing articles which are not necessary for the war, while another Department is wasting millions of man-hours persuading people not to buy those articles, and could not the said labour be better employed than in producing non-essential articles or wasting time on War Savings Campaigns?
§ Mr. BevinI am satisfied that the methods adopted in the carrying out of the concentration of industry are the correct ones. After all, even during a war, some communal life has to be carried on if morale is to be maintained.
§ Mr. EdwardsBut is it a good policy to continue to use labour—
§ Mr. Speakerrose.
§ Mr. EdwardsOn a point of Order, Mr. Speaker.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member was asking his original Question. He cannot repeat it.
§ Mr. EdwardsI am asking whether it is right to use man-power to produce unessential goods, and use more man-power in another Department to persuade people not to buy them?