49. Sir F. HALLasked the Prime Minister if, in view of the amount of unemployment now existing, the Government will take steps to prohibit the employment of aliens in Government and private employment until British labour has been fully absorbed?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY Of LABOUR (Mr. Wardle)I have been asked to reply to this question. With regard to Government employment in the sense of employment directly under the Crown, no persons of alien nationality are now being engaged and the Civil Service Commissioners propose to fill vacancies with persons of British nationality only. As far as the employment of aliens by private employers is concerned, the facts are that in respect of aliens who came to the United Kingdom during the War for employment on war services steps have been taken by the Ministry of Labour to repatriate a very considerable number, and the proportion still remaining in the United Kingdom is small. With respect to aliens who were demiciled in this country before the War, instructions have been issued to Employment Exchanges not to submit an alien for any vacancy for which a suitable British applicant is available, and in no circumstances to submit an alien for a vacancy outside the area of the Exchange at which he is registered.
§ Mr. WARDLEThat is a question which should be put to the Leader of the House.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERIs there any condition in Government (Contracts that the contractor shall not employ these agents?
§ Mr. WARDLEMy Department is not responsible for Government contracts.
Colonel BURNWill the hon. Gentleman see that aliens who are employed in Government offices and who evaded military service are got rid of and sent back to their country?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. and gallant Gentleman should give notice of it.