HC Deb 19 November 1940 vol 365 cc1869-70W
Sir H. Williams

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the number of registered unemployed fell by 596,000 during the 12 months ended 14th October, 1940, but that of this total only 33,000 took place during the period from 20th May to 14th October, 1940, and, having regard to the fact that during this later period many hundreds of thousands were called up for service, will he state what steps it is proposed to take to enable the 835,000 on the live register on 14th October to play a greater part in the nation's war effort?

Mr. E. Bevin

The creation of opportunities for further employment does not rest with me but with the Production Departments and with private industry. It is my responsibility to organise and direct the supply of man-power in order to meet the ever-increasing demands which will be made upon it.