§ 24. Lieut. - Colonel HOWARD - BURYasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the growing unemployment in the motor industry in this country owing to the repeal of the McKenna Duties and to the great demand in French factories for skilled workmen, where they are at present short-handed, he will take steps to see that the British skilled artisans that are being displaced are given information as to vacancies for similar jobs in France?
§ Mr. SHAWI am not aware of any great increase in unemployment in the motor industry. As regards bringing vacancies in France to the notice of workmen in this country, arrangements for this purpose in conjunction with the French Ministry of Labour have been in operation for the last 14 months. During that period more than half the men sent to France under these arrangements were motor mechanics, and for various reasons nearly all of them have since returned to this country.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURYIn view of the extra unemployment, will the right hon. Gentleman do his best to bring, to the notice of men dispossesed of work the fact that there is employment in France, and will he do his best to see that these men secure employment?
§ Mr. SHAWI will give any applicant all the facts and leave him to judge for himself on the facts as to whether France is better than this country.
§ Mr. REMERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that 300 men were dismissed last Friday at a large motor works in Lancashire? [HON. MEMBERS: "Which one?"]