HC Deb 02 April 1936 vol 310 c2168W
Dr. LEECH

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether in all Government contracts in connection with rearmament proposals, he will require the introduction of a clause binding contractors, when taking on new labour, to engage a fixed minimum percentage of men over 40 years of age who have been out of work for 12 months?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I regret that it would be impossible to impose upon employers a condition such as that suggested. But I have no doubt that the increase in the demand for labour will automatically afford more prospects of employment for the men in question either directly on work in connection with the re-armament proposals or indirectly on other work on which vacancies may arise. It is already the practice for Employment Exchanges to consider how the best use can be made of the older men's experience.