§ 39. Mr. HOFFMANasked the Minister of Transport if he will make represen- 237 tations to the Port of London Authority that, in view of the distress in consequence of unemployment in the Tilbury district, they will, other things being equal, give preference to local people, both in employment and contracts, on the new works and extensions which are about to be carried out?
§ Mr. GOSLINGI understand from the Port of London Authority that the contractors for the works to which my hon. Friend refers will be required to undertake that a majority of the unskilled men employed on the works, with the exception of certain classes of men having special qualifications, will be recruited through the local Exchanges in order that London labour may, so far as is practicable, be employed. As regards the actual selection of the contractors, I do not think that I could usefully attempt to fetter the discretion of the authority.
§ Captain COLFOXWill preference be given to unemployed ex-service men? Might I have an answer?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat does not arise here