§ 49. Mr. S. Shephardasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the high rate of unemployment at present existing; and what steps he proposes to take fully to employ our available manpower.
§ Mr. IsaacsDespite the release of very large numbers of men and women from 3W the Services and war industries, unemployment among insured persons at mid-September was at the low rate of 2½ per cent. for the country as a whole, and in most districts the rate of unemployment is lower still and shortages of labour exist. Action is being taken, primarily through the Distribution of Industry Act, 1945, to increase, as speedily as possible, the amount of employment available in areas of unemployment.