HC Deb 22 April 1947 vol 436 c790
22. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Labour what has been the response to the Government's appeal for more women to enter industry up to date

The Minister of Labour (Mr. Isaacs)

The Government have not yet instituted a special publicity campaign to recruit women for industry owing to the dislocation resulting from the power cuts and shortage of solid fuel. Arrangements for making intensive appeals in the localities where the shortage of women is most acute are well in hand and will be instituted as soon as industrial conditions appear suitable.

Mr. Swingler

Will the Minister state when this campaign will begin, as this is a somewhat urgent matter in view of the Government's programme and economic survey?

Mr. Isaacs

As soon as the industrial conditions appear suitable.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

Has the Minister considered offering some special inducement or incentive to women to go back into industry, in addition to doing their normal daily work?

Mr. Isaacs

No, Sir. We hope that the conditions, which have improved since the end of the war, will themselves be an adequate inducement.

Mrs. Castle

Is my right hon. Friend aware that he will be greatly assisted in his appeal to women if he can persuade his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to give a lead on the question of equal pay?