§ 10. Mr. Blackburnasked the Minister of Labour how many workers have been directed to employments under the Control of Engagement Order; and how many workers, affected thereby, have voluntarily changed their employment since the introduction of the Control of Engagement Order.
§ Mr. IsaacsBetween 6th October, 1947, when the Control of Engagement Order came into effect, and the end of December, 1947, 954,000 persons were placed in employment by the employment exchanges. Of these placings 116,436 were in first preference vacancies. A total of 15 persons were directed to employment during this period and one direction was issued during the month of January. These figures exclude directions issued to workers normally employed in agriculture and coalmining requiring them to remain within their industry.
§ Mr. BlackburnAs one who was opposed to this Measure in principle, may I ask whether my right hon. Friend is aware that it has been extremely well administered, with the minimum of hardship and inconvenience? Can he deny the suggestion widely made on Sunday that there is an intention to direct 15,000 women to the cotton industry?
§ Mr. IsaacsWe shall adhere to the indication that was given during the passing of this Measure in the House. We do not intend to direct people from one job to another. We think we can fill the vacancies by other means. I should like to say how very co-operative we have found those workers who have been asked to take important jobs and who have not been directed to do so at all.
§ Captain CrookshankIs it, then, worth keeping this Order at all? Will the right hon. Gentleman consider withdrawing it?