§ 2. Mr. R. C. Morrisonasked the Minister of Labour whether he is prepared to consider applications from manufacturers for permission to use a limited amount of skilled labour in preparatory post-war work?
§ Mr. BevinIn present circumstances I can only agree to skilled labour being 1663 employed on preparatory post-war work if, in rare individual cases, special circumstances, such as health or hardship, make it impossible to call up the individuals concerned to the Forces or transfer them to essential work.
§ Mr. MorrisonDoes the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that, in view of the recent speech of the Minister of Reconstruction, this matter is giving great concern, because of the desire of employers to be ready, as they are urged to do by the Government, for when the war is over? Can he not arrange to consider special applications?
§ Mr. BevinVery much deeper considerations are associated with this problem than that, and I would rather not be pressed for a further answer.
§ Mr. John DugdaleIs it not a fact that the United States are transferring a certain amount of labour to this type of work? It is my impression that they are doing so.