§ 61. Mr. Osborneasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that there is a shortage of manpower in the basic industries like coal mining, agriculture and railways, and, since more women are employed in industry than ever before, into which less important industries labour is being attracted; and what steps he is taking to reverse this labour trend.
§ Mr. WatkinsonYes. I am aware of the shortage of labour in some of the basic industries. Most of the increase in employment in the last 12 months has been in the manufacturing industries, particularly in engineering, which are not necessarily less important than the basic industries. My local offices are instructed to give special attention to vacancies in the more important industries, including those indicated by my hon. Friend.