HC Deb 26 July 1955 vol 544 cc983-4
40. Mr. Fernyhough

asked the Minister of Labour the estimated shortage of manpower in the major exporting industries.

Mr. Watkinson

In the manufacturing industries which produce the bulk of exports from the United Kingdom there were, in the first half of June, approximately 190,000 vacancies outstanding at the employment exchanges and 87,000 registered unemployed. The latter may not be in the same occupations or areas as the notified demands, and it is therefore not possible to make a firm estimate of the actual shortage of manpower.

Mr. Fernyhough

In view of the statement the Chancellor made yesterday and the necessity for us to expand our export trade very drastically and quickly, does not the hon. Gentleman think that the time has now come when the Government should consider reducing the period of National Service and thus enable some of these strong, vigorous young men, many of whom are wasting their time, to render service to the nation in the best interests of the nation? They would be better for it.

Mr. Watkinson

That has nothing at all to do with this Question.

41. Mr. Fernyhough

asked the Minister of Labour the estimated overall shortage of manpower in British industry at the present time.

Mr. Watkinson

Precise estimates of this kind cannot be made. In the first half of June there were approximately 443,000 outstanding vacancies and 211,000 registered unemployed. Some additional labour is also becoming available through the continuous increase in the working population.

Mr. Fernyhough

Is there not something wrong with this country when we are bearing a period of conscription longer than that borne by any other Western nation, and bearing it at a time when our economic position is very unsound? Does the Parliamentary Secretary not therefore agree that the time has come when the Government should seriously consider reducing the period of National Service and once more enable the men to render a service which would be in the best interests of the nation?

Mr. Watkinson

On the subject of the Question, more than 250,000 people joined the working population last year and I am very glad to say that in addition they all produced more.