§ 11. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been directed to the great expansion of output attributable to the skilled technicians in every branch of industry who are training unskilled labour, both male and female; and whether he will consider making some public acknowledgment of this valuable contribution to the national effort?
§ Mr. BevinYes, Sir, I am fully aware of the important contribution to our national effort made by the skilled technicians in industry. The immense increases and changes in production necessary for the war effort have only been made possible by the entry of fresh workers, men and women, into the factories. These new entrants to industry have had to be trained and up-graded to meet the constantly increasing need for more skilled workers. That we have been able to meet these demands is in great part due to the technicians and skilled men who, day by day, on the floor of the factory, have imparted their own knowledge and valuable experience to the new entrants, especially the women who have come forward to play their part in this work for the duration of the war. I am glad to have this opportunity of paying a tribute to the splendid work which all concerned have carried out.