§ 2. Sir Waldron Smithersasked the Minister of Labour why the latest manpower returns show a rise to 23,146,000 in the total working population.
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Isaacs)A detailed explanation is given in an article entitled "New Series of Manpower Statistics" published on page 40 of the "Ministry of Labour Gazette" for February, 1949.
§ Sir W. SmithersDoes not this enormouse increase show the inefficiency of Government Departments; and will the right hon. Gentleman employ a chartered accountant engaged in free enterprise to be his statistician?
§ Mr. IsaacsI think that the figures show the efficiency of the Government Department, and to employ another person from outside would swell the number of persons employed in the service.