HC Deb 02 February 1943 vol 386 cc757-8W
Mr. Mathers

asked the Minister of Labour the present position as to the direction of mobile women workers from Scotland to England for war work, giving the weekly average number so directed, in the most recent period for which he has particulars; and what progress is being made in providing work for these women in Scotland?

Mr. Bevin

During the eight weeks ended 12th December, 1942, the average weekly number of women transferred from Scotland to England was 46. The Supply Departments work in close co-operation with my Department so as to ensure that new contracts and new industrial capacity are placed whenever possible, in those parts of the country where labour is available, and in particular in certain areas of Scotland. Within the past four months there has been a considerable increase in production placed in Scotland, and a corresponding increase in the number of areas in Scotland from which no women are transferred.