§ 15. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement on the results of the campaigns to recruit more workers for the coalmining, textile and agricultural industries during 1948; and what further steps he is considering for the year 1949.
§ Mr. IsaacsThe labour forces of these industries showed the following net increases in 1948 after the replacement of wastage: Coalmining, 8,000; Textiles, 32,000 (to end-November); Agriculture, 42,000 (to end-November). The measures taken in 1948 will be continued this year.
§ Mr. John LewisCan the Minister say why there has not been a greater increase in the number of people who have gone into the textile mills; can he give some reason for it and say whether, in his view, it is due to lack of incentive or to difficulties regarding the methods employed in recruiting?
§ Mr. IsaacsThat is completely foreign to the Question itself. If my hon. Friend will put that question down, I will try to reply to it.