HC Deb 30 May 1911 vol 26 c899
Mr. KEIR HARDIE

asked by whose authority, and at whose expense, a representative of the Greenock Labour Exchange went to Tobermory and other places to obtain a supply of workmen; and what were the special circumstances which justified this expenditure?

Mr. TENNANT

The journey referred to was authorised by the Board of Trade. As regards the other particulars I must refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to him on the 22nd May.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

Can the hon. Gentleman say for what reason this journey was authorised? Was there any scarcity of unskilled labour at Greenock on this occasion?

Mr. TENNANT

No, Sir; but there are no branch offices of the labour exchange in the Western Highlands, and consequently an officer of the Greenock exchange was sent to those various places.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

Was there any scarcity of labour to justify an expensive trip to the Western Highlands?

Mr. TENNANT

I am not aware that there was any scarcity of labour, but it was in order to help people who might want to get work.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

Is it not the case that the complaint is that there are too many people leaving the Highlands already?