HC Deb 03 March 1952 vol 497 cc25-6
43. Mr. Steward

asked the Minister of Supply if he will re-employ retired skilled armament workers in view of the shortage of skilled labour in the ordnance factories.

Mr. Sandys

Yes, Sir. We are already doing so. We welcome applications for employment from retired skilled workers, though we cannot, of course, guarantee that there will always be suitable vacancies for them.

Mr. Steward

Will the Minister consider recommending to the Minister of Labour that a register of these retired skilled workers should be kept at the employment exchanges, in order that some of them can be offered employment when it is available?

Mr. Sandys

I will certainly draw the attention of my right hon. and learned Friend to that suggestion, but the point is that there is no unwillingness to employ these retired craftsmen. We would welcome more applications for re-employment.