Oral Answers to Questions — Employment – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 4 March 1947.
Mr Stephen Swingler
, Stafford
12:00,
4 March 1947
asked the Minister of Labour if he will give an estimate of the expected addition to the labour force in 1947 in response to the Government's appeal in Cmd. 7046 for the continuance at work of men of retiring age.
Mr George Isaacs
, Southwark North
It is not possible to form an estimate. The number of men aged 65 and under 70 who would normally be expected to retire from work in 1947 is approximately 65,000, and it is hoped that a large proportion of these men will continue in employment.
Mr Philip Piratin
, Stepney Mile End
Will the Minister encourage these men to stay at their work by not making any deductions from their retirement pay?
Mr George Isaacs
, Southwark North
I do not make any deductions from their pay.
Mr Philip Piratin
, Stepney Mile End
But some of the right hon. Gentleman's colleagues do.
Mr George Isaacs
, Southwark North
I do not know that any deduction is made.
Major Donald Bruce
, Portsmouth North
Could my right hon. Friend say whether he has been in touch with the First Lord of the Admiralty to ensure that men of retiring age, who wish to continue at work, may have the opportunity to continue their employment in the Royal Dockyards?
Mr George Isaacs
, Southwark North
If that is a question for the First Lord of the Admiralty, the hon. and gallant Member ought to put it down for him to answer.
Ministers make up the Government and almost all are members of the House of Lords or the House of Commons. There are three main types of Minister. Departmental Ministers are in charge of Government Departments. The Government is divided into different Departments which have responsibilities for different areas. For example the Treasury is in charge of Government spending. Departmental Ministers in the Cabinet are generally called 'Secretary of State' but some have special titles such as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Ministers of State and Junior Ministers assist the ministers in charge of the department. They normally have responsibility for a particular area within the department and are sometimes given a title that reflects this - for example Minister of Transport.
