23. Mr. N. M'LEANasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that certain Clyde employers in the electrical industry are engaging Australian soldiers as apprentices and are discharging bonâ fide apprentices; and whether his Department are aware of and encouraging this practice?
The MINISTER for LABOUR (Sir R. Home)I am not aware that any Clyde employers in the electrical industry are engaging Australian soldiers as apprentices and are discharging bonâ fide apprentices; but if the hon. Member will bring to ray notice any specific cases in which this is being done, I will cause inquiries to be made immediately.
§ Sir E. CARSONIs there any disability on an Australian soldier?
Sir R. HORNENo, there is no disability. I understand that certain arrangements were being made between the Australian authorities and some of the trade unions in this country, but of the particular arrangements that have been made I am not aware at the moment.
§ Major-General Sir NEWTON MOOREIs it not a fact that these arrangements were made with the view of making these men up-to-date in their work, so that they might become more useful citizen's when they return?
Sir R. HORNEI think that was the idea—that pending repatriation a period of training should be taken advantage of in this country.
§ Sir N. MOORERather than loaf about the country doing nothing.
25. Mr. JOHN DAVISONasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that men of the Australian forces are being employed in engineering establishments in this country; whether he has been party to any arrangements made in this direction; whether he is aware that men in the engineering trades are unable to find employment and that the engineering trade unions have never been consulted regarding the introduction of the Australians; and whether he will have-inquiries made into this matter with a view to the removal of the friction which is now arising?
Sir R. HORNEIn the month of January the Ministry of Labour was in formed that the Repatriation and Demobilisation Department of the Australian Imperial Forces had arranged for the temporary employment in the shipbuilding and engineering industries in this country of a certain number of Australian soldiers, pending their repatriation. The Ministry of Labour did not take any part in the arrangements, but was informed of what was proposed and was led to understand that this had been negotiated by the Australian authorities with the Employers' Federation and trade unions concerned. It was not until a day or two ago that I was made aware that this arrangement had resulted in any friction, and I am now inquiring into the whole matter with a view to endeavouring to remove any trouble that exists.