HC Deb 07 July 1932 vol 268 cc589-91
2. Mr. CHARLES BROWN

asked the Minister of Labour what number of Germans are at present employed by the Maville Hosiery Company, of Ilkeston, Derbyshire; and for what period and purpose the permits have been granted; and, since among the number there is a German girl, what is the special reason for which she has been permitted to come to this country for employment in this factory?

The MINISTER of LABOUR (Sir Henry Betterton)

Permits have been issued during the past 12 months for the employment of 14 Germans by the Maville Hosiery Company comprising one general foreman instructor, four erectors of machinery and nine key workers as instructors. Of this total, two have not yet arrived, and four have already left the country. The permits are for periods from three to six months except in the case of the foreman instructor which was for 12 months. The woman worker referred to is required for six months as a seamer for the purpose of instructing British workers.

Mr. BROWN

Is the Minister aware that this girl seamer has been allowed to come into this country for this purpose when there are thousands of girls in the area who can perform the work?

Sir H. BETTERTON

No, Sir. In their application for a permit for this woman teacher, the company stated: Although we have advertised weekly in the local papers for the last three months and have also been in communication with the local labour exchange, our machines are still idle. We must, therefore, have teachers to instruct local unskilled girls.

Mr. THORNE

May I ask whether this is not due to the fact that this is German machinery which is installed in this factory?

Sir H. BETTERTON

Yes, that is so. I am told that these are German machines and that the process is new to this country.

Mr. BROWN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these German seamer machines have been used in the industry for quite a long time?

Sir H. BETTERTON

My information is to the opposite effect. I do not profess to be an expert on the matter, but I am told that this German machinery is a new process.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Arising out of the original reply o1 the right hon. Gentleman when he said that he had had a report from the employers to the effect that they had tried to get girls from the Employment Exchange, my supplementary is this: has the Minister inquired at the Employment Exdhange as to whether that statement is correct?

Sir H. BETTERTON

No, Sir. I took it to be the fact, as stated by the company, that they had asked the Employment Exchange for these girls and had not got them.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

I would like the right hon. Gentleman to challenge that letter.

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member is getting away from the question on the Paper.