§ Mr. Parkerasked the Minister of Supply (1) whether he is aware that reclaiming plant financed by his Ministry is standing idle as a result of the shortage of labour; and what steps he proposed to take in the matter;
(2) whether he is aware that the supply of labour to the rubber reclaiming industry is not on the priority list at local 1110W employment exchanges, as a result of which labour is not directed to reclaiming factories; and whether he will remedy this matter;
(3) why the rubber reclaiming industry, which is responsible for supplying essential raw materials for practically all goods manufactured from rubber for use by the Armed Forces, is not able to obtain approximately 200 men to enable the industry to produce what is required by his Ministry; and whether he will consult with the Minister of Labour with a view to remedying this matter?
§ Mr. PeatThere is at present a shortage of labour for certain rubber reclamation plants in very difficult labour areas, and my right hon. Friend is in close touch with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour on this subject. So far as can be foreseen, the measures that have been and are now being taken should enable the industry to meet our reclaimed rubber requirements.