§ 82. Mr. W. R. SMITHasked the Minister of Labour if his attention has been drawn to the discharge of workmen employed upon hut building at Wainfleet St. Marys, Lincolnshire, the reason given being that they were previously employed as agricultural labourers; and whether he will take steps to prevent men being forced into the ranks of the unemployed, it being also an interference with the liberty of the subject in the engaging of his labour?
§ Sir R. HORNEI understand that the employers at the works mentioned in the question engaged the two men without the knowledge that they were agricultural labourers. Upon ascertaining the facts, the firm advised the men to seek work on the land, and subsequently discharged them. I am making further inquiries as to whether work has been offered to them on the land.