HC Deb 24 June 1947 vol 439 cc176-7
12. Mr. Osborne

asked the Minister of Labour how many women the Government expect to re-enter industry in answer to their latest appeal; and when he will make a statement on the results of that appeal.

Mr. Ness Edwards

I am not yet in a position to estimate the results of the campaign.

Mr. Osborne

May I ask, first, when will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to estimate the results of the campaign, and secondly, does he think it is fair to ask women to do two jobs—at home and in the factory—when so many men are asking for a shorter and shorter week?

Mr. Ness Edwards

With regard to the first part of the supplementary question, I hope to be in a position to give an estimate of the results of the campaign in the middle of next month. As regards the latter part, I do not think it really arises.

Hon. Members

Oh.

Mr. Harrison

Will the Minister take steps to see that undue pressure is not placed upon women applicants to enter domestic work?

Mr. Ness Edwards

This is a campaign to get women to give part-time employment. It is purely voluntary. No pressure is applied to women who have great domestic responsibility, but those who can do so are asked to give us help in undermanned vital industries. In that sense, we are not excluding hospitals and public institutions.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

Is it estimated that the women will balance out the number of children remaining at school owing to the raising of the school-leaving age?

Mr. Ness Edwards

That is rather a different question.

Sir T. Moore

No, it is not.