48. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Labour whether he has now completed his review of the man-power situation; and whether, on completion, he will issue a reasoned statement of his conclusions arrived at as a result of this review?
§ Mr. McCorquodaleThe answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative. My right hon. Friend is at all times most anxious to give the House the fullest possible information about the manpower situation, and I have no doubt that many opportunities will occur in the course of Debate for this to be done. He does not have it in mind, however, to issue a formal report on the subject.
Mr. De la BèreIs special consideration being given to the release of coalminers who are serving with the Forces, and also to the release of agricultural labourers, with a view to increased production of food? Is my hon. Friend aware that the whole question of the utilisation of manpower by the Government remains one of the most unsatisfactory matters connected with the conduct of the war? Is my hon. Friend aware of it, because it is about time he was aware of it? Everyone else in the country is, if he is not.