§ 1. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Mooreasked the Minister of Labour how many men and women have been directed to employment by his Department, and under what circumstances, since the Order came into force.
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Isaacs)I assume the hon. and gallant Member is referring to the Control of Engagement Order, 1947, which came into force on 6th October, 1947. Between that date and 31st December, 1947, directions under Defence Regulation 58A (1) were issued to 12 men and three women to take essential work. These figures exclude directions issued to workers normally employed in agriculture and coalmining, requiring them to remain within their industry.
§ Sir T. MooreIf the Minister has found his powers of direction so unnecessary, why did he seek them in the first instance?
§ Mr. IsaacsPowers have been necessary to fill this number of jobs. As I have previously pointed out to the House, I was quite satisfied that the vast number of workers in this country would respond to the guidance offered to them and not wait for direction.
§ Sir Waldron SmithersDoes not the Minister realise that dictatorship will not work in England?