HC Deb 14 December 1944 vol 406 cc1319-20
4. Mr. Evelyn Walkden

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the city of Sheffield still has in its employ 17 plasterers who are mainly engaged in maintenance work on their housing estates; and whether he will review the present staff engaged on grounds of urgency and redirect the surplus to the bomb-damaged districts of London.

The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Bevin)

A review has already taken place. Of 19 plasterers employed, seven were over 60 years of age and five were regarded as immobile. The remaining seven were directed to bomb damage repair work in London; four appealed successfully against direction on medical grounds and three were transferred.

Mr. Walkden

Will the Minister again review the respective groups, either mobile or immobile; and does he recognise that sealing up the cracks and crevices and windows in London is so urgent, that five plasterers or five glaziers are as valuable now, as 50 other types of building workers?

Mr. Bevin

Yes, but I cannot break the rule of not transferring men over 60 years of age nor disregard the right of the man to appeal. That goes far deeper than repairs in London.

Mr. Walkden

Can my right hon. Friend use his persuasive powers with these people in Sheffield to encourage more of these men to come to London?

Mr. Bevin

I will send my hon. Friend down there.