§ 36. Mr. Bossomasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that there are large numbers of men and women in His Majesty's Forces stationed in this country pending the date of their demobilisation; and whether the Government has any proposals whereby this personnel can be employed for the benefit of the nation.
§ Mr. IsaacsYes, Sir. Throughout the war Service personnel have been called upon in emergency to help in urgent work of national importance for which no civilian labour could be found; these arrangements now cover such members of the Forces who are awaiting demobilisation or transport to the Far East. Consultation with the trade unions locally is undertaken in every instance before Service personnel are employed.
§ Mr. BossomIs my right hon. Friend aware that a good many of these men are quite capable of doing site work and the erection of the emergency houses? Can he state whether any of them are being used for this purpose at the present time?
§ Mr. IsaacsI could not say without notice, but I will ascertain for the hon. Gentleman.
§ Mr. TurtonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are many men in Service depots to whom there is no military or other work being given? Will he train these men for their civilian life after demobilisation?
§ Mr. IsaacsCourses of training for men in the Forces are very extensive and are being very fully taken up. As to whether there are a great number of unemployed I have no information.
§ Mr. Charles WilliamsIs it not very necessary to keep these reserves so that the Government can deal with unofficial strikes?