HC Deb 18 January 1945 vol 407 cc337-8
6. Sir Herbert Williams

asked the Minister of Labour what is the approximate number of firms at present substantially restricted to seeking male staff through the Ministry of Labour; and what approximate number will be so restricted to that medium under the new Control of Engagement Order as proposed in Cmd. 6568.

Mr. Bevin

I regret that the information asked for is not available.

8. Sir Leonard Lyle

asked the Minister of Labour whether the new Control of Engagement Order, proposed in Cmd. 6568, is intended to increase or decrease the field of compulsion in labour control as compared with the existing Orders which it is proposed to replace by that Order.

Mr. Bevin

The proposed new Control of Engagement Order must be considered as part of the general scheme of labour controls set out in Part III of Cmd. 6568, which is intended to represent a substantial relaxation of control as compared with the existing position.

9. Sir L. Lyle

asked the Minister of Labour whether employers having vacancies during the interim period will be prevented from advertising such vacancies in the Press under the new Control of Engagement Order proposed in Cmd. 6568.

Mr. Bevin

I have not yet reached conclusions as to the terms of the proposed new Control of Engagement Order. Clearly, however, there will have to be control over advertisements addressed to persons within the scope of the Order.

Sir L. Lyle

Is it not likely that advertising would be much more helpful to both employers and employees than the employment exchanges?

Mr. Bevin

I would remind my hon. Friend that, just prior to the Battle of 1940, employers were advertising in the papers and ruining the whole basis of stability of the industry of the country. I cannot allow, while the war is on, competition to start again in that way, and so break the whole of the controls which are in operation.