HC Deb 01 March 1945 vol 408 cc1529-31
1. Lieut.-Commander Hutchison

asked the Minister of Labour when he will resume the publication of statistics relating to unemployment in different industries.

The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Bevin)

I propose to consider this matter after the end of the European War.

Lieut.-Commander Hutchison

What harm could possibly be done to the Allied cause by giving this information?

Mr. Bevin

It would be just stupid at the present moment to begin to classify people by trades when we are directing them from one trade to another and they may not be in the same trade two weeks together.

Mr. Hammersley

Could not my right hon. Friend meet the situation by giving a little more information?

Mr. Bevin

No, Sir, I do not think any more information is needed. I have to direct people from one trade to another, according to the designation of the priorities given me by the production Departments.

Mr. Burke

Could we have the number of people unemployed at any particular employment exchange?

Mr. Bevin

If any hon. Member desires that information, I will collect it.

10. Mr. Tinker

asked the Minister of Labour to what extent the figures of unemployed signing on at the Employment Exchange have increased during the last six months; if he will give the reasons for this; and what is being done to get them down to normal.

Mr. Bevin

The increase in unemployment is largely due to seasonal factors and to small numbers of workpeople, mainly immobile, who are temporarily unemployed following reductions in munitions production. With regard to the last part of the question, I do not regard the figures as abnormal and I am confident that the arrangements for co-operation between my Department, the Ministry of Production, Board of Trade and other Departments concerned will continue to keep them low.

Vice-Admiral Taylor

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider utilising some of this spare man-power in boroughs in urgent need of employees for the collection of house refuse, which is a very serious matter?

Commander Bower

Is the Minister aware that some of us would be quite prepared to employ a considerable number of these unemployed if only the Board of Trade would allow us to get on with it?

Mr. Bevin

I have no doubt that my hon. and gallant Friend and his friends, if the Board of Trade would put them in a special position over the heads of all their competitors, could do an enormous lot, but we have to readjust the industrial situation with some kind of equity throughout the country.

Vice-Admiral Taylor

Cannot the Minister give me an answer about making some of this man-power available for the collection of house refuse?

Mr. Bevin

I must have notice of that question. I do not know the details.