§ 1. Mr. Reader Harrisasked the Minister of Labour what representations he has received from the Over Forty-Fives Association Limited, regarding the difficulties experienced by men over the age of 45 in obtaining suitable employment; and what action he proposes taking.
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Isaacs)I have been unable to trace the receipt of any representations from this association. I am, of course, well aware of the problem but, as I have said on various occasions, the solution depends on a change in the outlook of individual employers which we are trying to bring about. In the meantime, the local officers of the Ministry continue to take every opportunity of persuading employers to consider older men on their merits.
§ Mr. HarrisIs it possible to regard this as a national problem and make an appeal through the Federation of British Industries to their members in order that they may, in turn, regard this as a national problem and give priority to these men over 45?
§ Mr. IsaacsWe have done that through the British Employers' Confederation. They have given their support, but they cannot bring pressure to bear on individual members.
§ Mr. A. Fenner BrockwayIs the Minister aware of the deep feeling on this matter in many parts of the country? Does he know, for example, that in my constituency while there are practically no unemployed males under 55 years of age, there are 30 or 40 on the register above that age? Would it be possible for the Government to consider some kind of percentage for those who are aged?
§ Mr. IsaacsThat raises a very difficult question. We have had a little experience ourselves of trying compulsion on workers, and I do not know what would happen if we tried it on the employers.
§ Brigadier Prior-PalmerHas the Minister issued any instructions to the nationalised industries to give a lead in this matter?
§ Mr. IsaacsNo, Sir, no instructions have been issued to them, but conversations have taken place with them and they are co-operating very cordially in the matter.