HC Deb 15 March 1910 vol 15 cc180-1
Captain FABER

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether Labour Bureaux managers have been furnished with any instructions in regard to cases where an employer may express a, preference for alien labour?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Sydney Buxton)

So far as I am aware no case of the kind has occurred, but it would clearly be improper to give a preference to alien labour.

Captain FABER

May I ask whether an employer who desired to have alien labour might not have it if he was willing to pay a further tax?

Mr. BUXTON

That question does not arise out of my answer.

Captain FABER

asked whether applicants at the Labour Bureaux are asked, or required to declare, their nationality; and whether, where an applicant's alien origin is apparent from his speech, he is asked for proof of his naturalisation?

Mr. BUXTON

No requirements of this nature are at present in force.

Captain FABER

asked whether the divisional officer of the London district, south-eastern division, has engaged Yiddish-speaking clerks for the Labour Exchange?

Mr. BUXTON

I believe that one of the clerks in one of the London Labour Exchanges understands Yiddish, but no appointments are made on that ground. I consider that employers and workmen who wish to utilise the Labour Exchanges may reasonably be expected to speak the language of the country.