§ 8. Major Guy Lloydasked the Minister of Labour what decision he has come to on the recommendation of the Inter-Departmental Committee on Social and Economic Research that he should obtain and publish information about absenteeism in industry.
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Isaacs)The collection of statistics of absenteeism would involve the maintenance by a considerable number of firms of running records showing the extent of and reasons for absence by individual workers. In present circumstances, I do not feel justified in requiring employers to undertake this additional burden, nor in recruiting additional staff to summarise the returns.
§ Major LloydWhile appreciating that point of view, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is not the case that the Committee which was set up by the Government strongly recommended that the Ministry of Labour should produce these figures? Is not absenteeism fundamental to the question of productivity of industry, with which the Government and the nation are vitally concerned? Will not the right hon. Gentleman reconsider 1055 this important matter, and take the advice of the Committee which made this urgent recommendation?
§ Mr. IsaacsWe are governed by three factors: first, legislation would be required; second, every firm would require additional staff: third, the Civil Service would also require additional staff.
§ Major LloydIs it not hard luck on the miners that they should be the only people to be accused of absenteeism, whereas workers in many other industries are a good deal worse?
§ Mr. IsaacsI agree that it is hard luck that the miners should be so accused, and it is a pity that those who are now looking the other way, should be the ones who have been accusing them.