§ Mr. Liddallasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that, arising from a report by the Fertiliser Control, his Department admitted they were unable to supply from the usual sources the necessary labour to ensure maximum production of fertilisers during the peak period of the fertiliser industry; that his representatives stated that subject to certain conditions, the Ministry was ready to direct labour of an agreed suitable type to the industry for three months; that, although applications were received for over 500 men under this scheme, only about 200 are now working; that a number of men directed under the scheme have left their employment without permission from the Ministry and many thousands of tons of fertilisers have not been made available to farmers for producing food for next winter; and what steps is he prepared to take to make the necessary labour available?
§ Mr. BevinI agreed that where undertakings engaged in this industry adopted a specified minimum standard of wages and conditions I would direct labour to take the employment. About half of the firms concerned accepted the scheme and with one or two exceptions their demands for labour have been substantially met. In some cases men directed to take this employment have subsequently left it and I am taking the necessary steps to prosecute them for failing to observe the directions given. Meanwhile all possible steps are being taken to make good the deficiencies so caused.