asked the Minister of Labour how many painters in Finchley and Friern Barnet are at present unemployed and what steps he is taking to improve the position.

On 16th January last, 12 painters were registered as unemployed in this area. Everything possible is being done to find employment for them.

Can the Minister say if he intends to move these unemployed men to work in other parts of London and ask them to change their employers, or is he able to find work for them as painters in the Finchley and Friern Barnet area with their present employers?

Yes, Sir. Of the 12, 10 were placed in a day or so, but, since then, others have come along and the last figure was 14. The steps I have taken are that, as soon as there appears to be growing unemployment in these classes, in conjunction with the Ministry of Works arrangements are made for other licences to be issued for redecoration and other purposes.