Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the Government's policy of requiring all the available man-power, he will request all Government Departments to prepare a report showing where the need for man-power, irrespective of age or qualification, is required, in view of the fact that the Employment Exchanges, in different parts of the country, are unable to place men, except those specifically qualified as motor mechanics, farm labourers and builders; and whether he will confer with the Secretary of State for War with a view to seeing whether the services of many of these men could be utilised by increasing the strength of the Pioneer Corps by the formation of units specially formed for the purpose of agricultural drainage and other urgent requirements?
§ Mr. BevinI am in constant touch with Production Departments as to present and prospective labour requirements. I cannot accept my hon. Friend's suggestion that the Employment Exchanges are unable to place men in work unless they are specifically qualified as motor mechanics, farm labourers or builders. Any fit man whose availability is not restricted can be placed in employment. I am not prepared to adopt the policy of enlisting men in military units for the express purpose of being employed on civilian work.