§ 33. Mr. COUPERasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that labour is being imported from Ireland to the West of Scotland for the hay or potato harvest; and can he state how many Irish harvesters have arrived on the Clyde since the 15th May?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Betterton)It has been usual in past years for Irish labourers to come to various parts of Great Britain for harvest week. I have no statistics as to the number arriving in the West of Scotland, but I am endeavouring to obtain some information, and will let my hon. Friend know the result.
§ Mr. COUPERIs the hon. Member aware that within the last 14 days one party of 600 arrived by steamer from Donegal to Glasgow? Is there not sufficient labour unemployed at the present time in Glasgow and the West of Scotland to do such work?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI am not aware of the facts stated by the hon. Member, but in any case my Department has no authority or power to interfere with the arrival of Irish labourers.
§ Mr. B. PETOWas not the custom in regard to the importation for harvest work of Irish labourers current during the time when Southern Ireland was in the Union, and can the hon. Gentleman say whether the situation is not different now, seeing that Southern Ireland is a quasi-independent nation?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThe situation is not different so far as the powers of the Ministry of Labour are concerned to deal with the matter.
§ Mr. COUPERWill the hon. Member see that the unemployed in Glasgow and the West of Scotland have the offer of such work before these men are imported?