HC Deb 05 June 1951 vol 488 cc786-7
5. Air Commodore Harvey

asked the Minister of Labour what deficiencies are expected in skilled labour available for the aircraft industry; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Robens

There is a growing scarcity of certain types of skilled labour required for aircraft production. These deficiencies will, to a considerable extent, be met by the transfer of skilled workers from civilian work to defence contracts, but there are not enough skilled workers to meet all demands. The difficulty must therefore be met by the development of schemes of upgrading and training. I am watching the situation closely in consultation with both sides of industry.

Air Commodore Harvey

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that even in the first few months of the expansion programme certain factories are already short of skilled tradesmen and that a long-term programme will not suffice? What does he intend to do in the immediate future, because the defence of this country in the main depends on the aircraft industry?

Mr. Robens

It is a fact of which everyone should be well aware that there is an over-all shortage of skilled workers in this country. When one imposes a defence programme of this magnitude on the country, that problem becomes accentuated. What we are doing, and what I always propose to do, is to consult both sides of industry to meet a problem of that kind.