HC Deb 19 March 1941 vol 370 c167W
Sir J. Mellor

asked the Minister of Labour what attempts were made by representatives of his Ministry during the three months ended 15th February, 1941, to get in touch with able-bodied men in casual wards within the South Midland area with a view to their being placed in war work; what action has been taken since that date; and whether he is now able to make a statement as to his review, in consultation with the Minister of Health, of the arrangements for putting inmates of casual wards into work of national importance and for the exercise of compulsory powers when necessary?

Mr. Bevin

I regret that the information asked for in the first part of the Question is not available; with regard to the second part of the Question the position is as indicated in the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on 19th February. As regards future action, the review of the present procedure, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, is not yet completed and I am not yet in a position to make a statement.