§ 56. Mr. Boardmanasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the anticipated increase in unemployment stemming from the Government's deflationary measures, he will cancel the trial publicity campaign planned for 11 districts and aimed at recruiting more women into industry and instead give practical encouragement to those displaced to move to those areas in which there is a marked labour shortage.
§ Mr. GunterNo, Sir. These inquiries have been planned to take place in selected localities where there is an unsatisfied demand for women workers to discover whether there is a reserve of women available for work. I do not think it can be assumed that this demand will fall off as a result of the recent measures of restraint.
The services of my Ministry, including assistance under the transference schemes, are designed to assist unemployed workers or those likely to lose their jobs to find work in other areas.
§ Mr. BoardmanAs it is part of the Government's policy to produce some mobility of labour, may I ask whether my right hon. Friend is aware that it is very difficult to see any sense in increasing the labour force with a costly campaign when others will be deliberately rendered idle?
§ Mr. GunterI think that my hon. Friend is exaggerating a little. We are doing this in certain areas because there is, and will remain, a demand for women workers. What we are trying to do is to assess how that demand can be met. I do not think that the measures which the Government have adopted will diminish that demand.