HC Deb 24 May 1939 vol 347 cc2313-4W
Mr. White

asked the Minister of Labour whether estimates have been made of the numbers of skilled and unskilled workers, respectively, who will be required in view of the increased programme of remarmament and arrangements made whereby they will be available and where necessary trained when they are required?

Mr. E. Brown

It has been found by experience that such estimates cannot be made with sufficient precision of detail to be of practical value and moreover are liable to be falsified by changes in the many factors on which they depend. More satisfactory results are obtained by maintaining close contact with the producing establishments and taking such steps as seem most suitable in the particular case for meeting their actual or impending requirements. I have no reason to suppose that the needs of the situation cannot be met in this way.