Employment

Illegal Strikes

47.

Major Tufton Beamish
asked the Minister of Labour what steps are taken to inquire into the causes of all illegal strikes.

The Minister of Labour (Mr. Isaacs)
It is the normal responsibility of my Department to inquire into the causes and circumstances of any dispute, whether illegal or otherwise.

Sir W. Smithers
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Russia if a man participates in an illegal strike his ration card is withdrawn?

Mr. Isaacs
I have not been there, so I cannot say.

Sir W. Smithers
The right hon. Gentleman ought to go and see.

Ex-Service Personnel

48.

Air-Commodore Harvey
asked the Minister of Labour how many ex-officers and other ranks were registered as unemployed at the latest convenient date.

Mr. Isaacs
The numbers of ex-Service men and women registered as unemployed at 14th April were 70,024 and 4,600 respectively, of whom 6,816 and 213 were exofficers registered with the Appointments Department. Separate figures for officers registered at employment exchanges are not available.

Air-Commodore Harvey
Will the right hon. Gentleman consider making special arrangements so that these men can be given the opportunity to go back into the fighting Services if they should so desire? I am sure that many of them would do that if arrangements were made.

Mr. Isaacs
I am not sure whether such an arrangement is within my scope. I think the object which the hon. and gallant Member has in mind is worthy of examination, and I will take the matter up.