§ 143. Mr. J. J. Robertsonasked the Minister of Labour if he is now able to state when he proposes to end the Essential Work (Agriculture) (Scotland) Order.
§ Mr. Isaacs:I propose to revoke the Essential Work (Agriculture) (Scotland) 178W Order, 1945, with effect from 31st December next.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Minister of Labour how many men and women and what trades are still subject to Essential Work Orders.
§ Mr. IsaacsApproximately 750,000 workers are still subject to the Essential Work Orders. The trades in which these are employed are building and civil engineering, certain building materials industries, shipbuilding and shiprepairing, shale oil, certain parts of agriculture, one or two food industries, the Merchant Navy and dock labour. Notice has been given to a number of them that the Order will be withdrawn at an early date.
§ Mr. Marplesasked the Minister of Labour whether he proposes to issue a revocation order to the Essential Work (Building and Civil Engineering) Order or intends to pursue the present policy of not scheduling future work unless arrangements are made with the industry at regional level.
§ Mr. IsaacsThe future of the Essential Work (Building and Civil Engineering) Order is kept under constant review but I am not able at present to make any statement about its revocation. I know of no suggestion to depart from the present arrangements between the Ministry of Works and the Industry for discussion at the regional level of the application of the Order to individual sites.