HC Deb 03 June 1943 vol 390 cc334-5
7. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is intended to publish a book containing the war record of the Ministry of Labour, an account of the achievements of industry in organising and utilising man- and woman-power and the contribution made by the organised workpeople in the workshops in the training of workers; if so, when will it be published; and will he see that a large sale is organised and that copies be sent to all military units and to all His Majesty's ships?

Mr. Bevin

A book on the mobilization of the man- and woman-power of this country has been written and is now with the printers. Publication and distributional arrangements are in the hands of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Information.

Mr. Smith

Will my right hon. Friend convey this suggestion to the Minister of Information with a view to getting as large a sale as possible organised, and will he also see that the suggestion in the Question that copies should be broadcast to all people serving in His Majesty's Forces is carried out?

Mr. Bevin

I will bear that in mind.

Sir Herbert Williams

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that there will be enough paper to supply everybody with a copy?

Mr. Smith

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the achievements of the workers in this war are such that they should be made known, and would not paper be well used on a publication of this character?

Major-General Sir Alfred Knox

Will the Minister see that this book gives some recognition to the work of industrialists, who have not been referred to at all?