HC Deb 17 February 1949 vol 461 c1339
46. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Labour what is the nearest estimate he can give of the number of persons employed in the pools industry in South Wales.

Mr. Isaacs

About 2,600.

47. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Labour if he is prepared to consider taking action to schedule the pools industry under Section 12 of the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act, 1944, to confine employment to registered disabled persons.

Mr. Isaacs

I have already considered this, but I am advised that I have no power to designate the pools industry under Section 12 of the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act. I can only designate a "class of employment" irrespective of the industry in which it is provided.

Mr. Thomas

Will my right hon. Friend consider putting this suggestion before the Commission to inquire into gambling which the Prime Minister recently announced?

Mr. Isaacs

That is a very interesting suggestion and I will look at it and see if it comes within the Commission's terms of reference.