HC Deb 15 April 1943 vol 388 cc1356-7
5. General Sir George Jeffreys

asked the Minister of Labour the nature of the difficulties which face him in endeavouring to fit the commercial employment agencies into the scheme of approved agencies under the Women (Control of Employment) Order; and whether, to assist in their removal, he will receive a representative deputation of the employment agencies concerned?

Mr. Bevin

The difficulty is that my Department must, in the interest of the war effort, direct and control the movement of women workers. In reply to the last part of the Question, discussions have taken place between representatives of the London Employment Agents' Federation and officers of this Department on two occasions since the Employment of Women (Control of Engagement) Order was made, and unless there are some additional facts to be put forward no useful purpose would be served by a further deputation.

Sir G. Jeffreys

Will the Minister or his Parliamentary Secretary receive a deputation, which is a different matter from its being received by officers of the Department? It may be possible to get over the difficulties and make use of private concerns with success.

Mr. Bevin

I will consider that suggestion.

Miss Rathbone

Is the Minister not aware that some secretarial employment agencies are very much more efficient in recommending secretaries and such workers than his Appointments Board, which is sometimes unable to submit one name for some appointments for which the secretarial agencies or the ordinary agencies are able to submit half a dozen names? Why is that?

Mr. Bevin

I do not accept that statement at all.

Sir Herbert Williams

As some people are willing to pay these organisations instead of using my right hon. Friend's Department for nothing, does it not indicate that they think the organisations are better?

Mr. Bevin

No, not at all. The Control of Engagement Order is set up for the purpose of running the war, and that is the prime consideration which influences my mind.

Sir G. Jeffreys

Is it not well-established that the commercial agencies have special knowledge and experience in dealing with young women engaged in domestic work for employment?