HC Deb 29 March 1949 vol 463 cc1012-3
9. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Minister of Labour how many of the people registered under the Registration for Employment Order he has directed to any form of employment.

Mr. Isaacs

Seven thousand, five hundred and sixty-three persons who registered under the Order made in November, 1947, were placed in employment. The use of formal directions was found to be necessary only in one case.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on Thursday night his Parliamentary Secretary pointed out that it was a justification for the use of compulsory powers that he had registered 30,000 people? Does the right hon. Gentleman really regard as wise the registration of 30,000 people in order to direct one person?

Mr. Isaacs

It is quite easy to omit the essential part of the answer I have already given. One was directed; 7,563 accepted the employment offered. The number of registrations was 37,072 men and 58,893 women. I think a tribute must be paid to the people who did voluntarily come forward to register.