§ 9. Mr. HICKSasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that one of his divisional officers has recently been visiting Welling and Bexley Heath, suggesting to certain employers that although there are many unemployed persons in the district he could, in the event of any vacancies arising, get the men from the North of England who would be prepared to work for lower wages; and whether this action is being taken with his approval?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONNo such suggestion has been made. Officers of my Department have canvassed employers in their district for improvership vacancies for trainees from the Government centres. They made no suggestion that trainees should be employed to undercut wages, nor am I aware that the placing of trainees has had that effect.
§ Mr. HICKSIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that it is the practice of representatives of his Department to go to employers and offer labour at rates 962 cheaper than the ordinary recognised rates agreed upon between trade unions and employers?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONNo, Sir. I must deny that completely. I cannot accept one word of that statement.
§ Mr. HICKSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in this particular instance one of his representatives has been offering to employers labour at a rate cheaper than the trade union rate paid in that district?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONNo, Sir. On the other hand, I understand that the men to whom the hon. Gentleman refers are getting the appropriate rate of wages, but I will make inquiries.
§ Mr. HICKSWhile thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his answers, may I press him further on this very important matter? Will he take steps to discourage representatives of his Department from going to employers and offering labour at rates cheaper than the ordinary rates?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONI have just told the hon. Gentleman that it is not our practice to do so, and we have no intention of doing so.
§ Mr. HICKSWill the right hon. Gentleman accept from me the information which I have obtained, that this officer has offered to employers the type of labour I have indicated; and is not the Government being brought into contempt among respectable employers in the neighbourhood, through the peddling of this kind of labour in this way?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONI cannot accept either of the statements in the hon. Gentleman's question.