§ 85. Mr. JOHNSTONasked the Minister of Transport when it is proposed to begin operations on the new road from Ballachulish to Tyndrurn; and what steps he is taking to ensure that the employment offered shall be reserved for unemployed men registered at the Scottish Employment Exchanges and not left to the selection of gangers of foremen who may favour imported labourers?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)I hope that tenders will very shortly be invited by the Argyll County Council for the first section of these road works, and I will bring to the council's notice the hon. Member's representations regarding the recuitment of labour.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONMay I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has any power, as public funds are given, to compel the local council to see that the suggestion is adopted?
§ Colonel ASHLEYNo, Sir, that is not made a condition.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONHas the right hon. Gentleman any power to do that? May I ask is he aware that the primary purpose of the Employment Exchanges, when they were set up, was to provide opportunities for employment for unemployed men?
§ Colonel ASHLEYWhen the recruiting labour office was set up in Dundee two years ago, the men so recruited did not stop very long on road contracts.