§ Mr. Parkerasked the Minister of Labour what is the total number of persons employed by the insurance companies as agents and collectors; whether a substantial part of the total can be transferred to work more essential to the war effort; and what decrease or increase in their numbers there has been since the beginning of the war?
§ Mr. BevinAt the outbreak of war, approximately 48,000 men and 800 women were employed as agents by the industrial assurance companies. I am unable to give to-day's figures, but in June, 1942, there were approximately 26,500 men and 17,500 women in this occupation. Employment as an insurance agent has not, at any time, been a ground for deferment of calling up for military service.
§ Mr. Parkerasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the recent recommendations of the Kennet Committee on financial man-power, any number of persons can now be transferred from 1065W banks, insurance, trusts and offices of commercial and industrial companies in the City and elsewhere to work more essential to the war effort?
§ Mr. BevinThe Kennet Committee recommended that a percentage of the men employed in the banking and allied businesses, ordinary insurance and industrial assurance companies, whose calling up was deferred, should be released for service with the Forces. Effect has been given to the recommendation and the men have become available for calling up. The Kennet Committee was not concerned with commercial and industrial companies; the withdrawal of staff from such undertakings, either for the Forces or for industry, is decided by the District Man Power Boards in accordance with the normal procedure.