asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that skilled engineers in factories which are soon to be redundant are being restrained by Man-power Board officials from taking up work in their own trade although vacancies are available in other factories; and if he will give a direction to prevent this practice.

The policy of my Department is to permit the return of workers to their previous employment wherever possible. But, particularly in the case of skilled workers, regard must be had to the comparative importance in the national interest of the work to which they propose to return and that on which they might otherwise be engaged. If my hon. and gallant Friend has any particular case in mind I should be glad to inquire into it if he will give me particulars.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that factories engaged on very essential work and clamouring for men are prevented from getting men by the idiotic instructions issued by his predecessor and his Department? Is not the Department preventing men from taking vacancies in these factories and thus remedying the great difficulty which exists?