Women in Industry (Government's Appeal)

Oral Answers to Questions — Employment – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 17 Gorffennaf 1947.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Cyril Osborne Mr Cyril Osborne , Louth Borough 12:00, 17 Gorffennaf 1947

asked the Minister of Labour if he will now make a statement as to the number of women who have entered industry in response to the Government's appeal; and if he is satisfied with this response.

Photo of Mr George Isaacs Mr George Isaacs , Southwark North

The district campaigns have been running for only a short time and at this early stage I have not sufficient information on which to base an estimate as to the response that has been made to the appeal.

Photo of Mr Cyril Osborne Mr Cyril Osborne , Louth Borough

Is not the Minister aware that the Parliamentary Secretary 10 days ago promised that he would give us these figures in the middle of July; the middle of July is now here, and therefore, why cannot we have the answer?

Photo of Mr George Isaacs Mr George Isaacs , Southwark North

The answer I have given is correct. No doubt my right hon. Friend had in mind the possibility of doing that, but the campaign is only just getting well on its way and I would much prefer to await the result. However, if it will assist the House I will endeavour to see if I can get some definite information before the House rises.

Photo of Sir Eric Fletcher Sir Eric Fletcher , Islington East

Has the Minister considered the desirability of making a broadcast appeal on this subject?

Photo of Mr George Isaacs Mr George Isaacs , Southwark North

I did that. Whether or not it had the desired effect, I do not know.

Photo of Brigadier Sir Harry Mackeson Brigadier Sir Harry Mackeson , Hythe

Is it one of the objects of this campaign that young married women should be out of their homes even more than they are now, and is not this rather dangerous from the point of view of young children?

Photo of Mr George Isaacs Mr George Isaacs , Southwark North

I take this opportunity of making it clear that what we are asking is that all women who can will come and serve. We do not want women with young children to desert them, and to upset their home life, because that upsets the menfolk and the factories. There must be many, many thousands of women who can help.