HC Deb 04 July 1932 vol 268 cc13-4
32. Captain HEILGERS

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that Irish labour is being employed for sugar-beet hoeing in Suffolk at a time when there are still local agricultural labourers unemployed; and if he will take steps to discourage the employment of Irish labourers who exclude local men?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of the reply I gave on the 30th Jane to a question on the subject by my hon. Friend the Member for North Norfolk (Mr. Cook), to which I have nothing to add.

Captain HEILGERS

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is great resentment in Suffolk on this question, that Irish labourers' huts have been burned, and will he not take the present moment, which is the appropriate moment, to end the importation of Irish labour?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I have no authority-to do that in existing circumstances.

Mr. MAXTON

Can the Minister tell us why the Suffolk farmers persist in doing this sort of thing?

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