MANPOWER ISSUE

New Zealand Herald, Volume 82, Issue 25204, 17 May 1945, Page 4

MANPOWER ISSUE

QUESTION OF CONTROL SOME EASING POSSIBLE (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Wedwrtj, The extent to which it might b« possible to relax manpower controls on the cessation of hostilities in Eurona had been receiving consideration, sa jj the Minister of Industrial Manpower Mr McLagan, today. ' It would be apparent that the man' power difficulties would not disappear Qverniglit. said the Minister, as there were still many tasks to complete. Food would have to be produced in increased quantities, not only for Britaiu and the Allied forces in the Pacific, but also to feed starving Europe. Houses and clothing would have to be prepared f or returning servicemen, and all essential services would have to be maintained While it was the Government's interu" * tion to remove manpower controls-just as soon as possible, it would be apparent that the manpower difficulties woiij<] not be eased until our men had returned to take their place in industry.

It would lie possible to case the effect of the manpower controls in certain directions, added the Minister, and ail declarations oi essentiality were beins reviewed, and he expected these wouy be removed in a number of cases ana would be removed in other cases just«. soon as sufficient labour was availab'a in those industries to meet essential pro. duction or services.

It was open for any employer whose undertaking had been declared essential to apply to have the declaration revoked. and. if it was found that the goods and services being produced couiif be obtained without the protec. tion of the declaration, revocation would be granted.