§ 9. Mr. Kenyonasked the Minister of Works whether he is now prepared to make a statement about the prospects of men returning from the Forces, and others, who join the brickmaking industry.
§ Mr. TomlinsonYes, Sir. I am glad to have this opportunity of referring to the urgent need for a large number of 49W recruits for the brickmaking industry, and to the prospects of those who join it. There is no doubt that this industry will have as much work as it can undertake for an indefinite time to come, and recruits therefore can have every anticipation of steady and full employment.
There have been improvements in labour conditions and further improvements may be expected. I have appointed a Commitee to consider and report upon measures to make the industry more attractive to recruits and I am glad to say that Sir Wilfrid Garrett, until recently Chief Inspector of Factories, has consented to act as chairman. The Committee will include four representatives from either side of the industry and Mr. Lockhart Hutson, until recently Director of Building Materials.
A national joint council has just been set up for this and allied Industries and is to consider the question of wages at its first meeting to be held very shortly.