HC Deb 15 November 1951 vol 493 cc1152-3
32. Mr. Alport

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the difficulty experienced by men and women over 45 years of age in obtaining suitable employment; and what steps he proposed to take to ensure that the contribution which they can make to solving the manpower problem is not lost to the country.

The Minister of Labour (Sir Walter Monekton)

My Department has been considering with the National Joint Advisory Council, which represents both employers and workers, the practical steps to be taken to remove hindrances to the retention and engagement of older workers, and I am assured of their full co-operation.

Mr. Alport

Does the Minister agree that the problem of those who are seeking employment when over 45 years of age is probably greater than the present statistics show and—

Hon. Members

Do not read it.

Mr. Speaker

Order. It is not customary for hon. Members to read supplementary questions.

Mr. Alport

On a point of personal explanation, Sir, I have not read a single word.

Mr. Speaker

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman was merely consulting a very full note.

Mr. Alport

I have nothing whatever written on this paper, Sir.

Mr. Speaker

I am sorry. I must have misconstrued the appearance of the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. Alport

I was about to ask the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the extent and nature of this problem, and the fact that a number of categories are not immediately concerned or available for manual work, or connected with it, he would especially look into the problem of that particular class of unemployed?

Sir W. Monckton

I will certainly take particular care to look into this question. It is one of sufficient importance to have been raised with the National Joint Advisory Council, and they have assured me of their help in regard to it as a special matter.

Mr. I. Mikardo

Is the Minister aware that the action which he is proposing has already been taken by his predecessors; and although it is probably the best that could be done at the time and can be done now, it has not so far been effective? Will he try to adopt further and stronger measures?

Sir W. Monckton

I am aware that the steps I have taken in consultation were also taken by my predecessors, but I have various particular matters about which I want the National Joint Advisory Council to assist me, and they do, I hope, introduce one or two new ideas.