§ 27. Mr. Dumpletonasked the Minister of Labour the total number of workers formerly engaged in the building industry in England and Wales who are now working in other industries.
§ Mr. IsaacsI regret that the information is not available.
§ Mr. DumpletonIs the Minister aware that the number is quite large, and in view of the needs of the housing programme, will he see whether any steps can be taken to recruit back these men?
§ Mr. IsaacsWe are unable to compel men to leave other employment and come back into this industry, but whenever a man registers at an exchange, careful inquiry is made into each case, and if we find that a man has been in this industry or has a capacity to be of service in the industry, every effort is made to persuade him to come into it.