§ 16. Mr. A. SHORTasked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the action of engineering employers in Letchworth in continually importing men from other centres and discharging them shortly afterwards for various reasons; whether he is aware that men are induced to transfer to Letchworth, taking their families with them, with no guarantee of permanent employment; that, in consequence of the discharges taking place, and the fresh arrivals of workmen, an acute house famine exists; that there is reason to believe the existence of a compact between the engineering employers in Letchworth not to engage any man previously employed by a Letchworth firm; and whether he can take any action in this matter?
§ Sir R. HORNEMy attention has been called to a resolution which was recently forwarded by the Letchworth Trades and Labour Council to the Letchworth Employment Committee with regard to this matter. The Letchworth Employment Committee have appointed a sub-committee of three, consisting of the chairman and representatives of workpeople and employers respectively, to investigate and report upon the subject. I will communicate further with the hon. Member as soon as I am in a position to do so.