HC Deb 09 June 1932 vol 266 cc2088-9
8. Mr. RHYS DAVIES

asked the Minister of Labour if he can state the number of aliens admitted into this country since 1st January, 1932, who have been granted permission to work in any new factories established by foreign firms?

Sir H. BETTERTON

The latest available figures were given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade in his reply to a question asked by the hon. Member for West Swansea (Mr. L. Jones) on 2nd June.

Mr. DAVIES

Is it not a fact that the figures given recently by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade related to the total number of persons employed in factories established by foreign firms? What I want from the right hon. Gentleman are the figures in respect of aliens who have come to this country to work in those factories. Can he supply them?

Sir H. BETTERTON

I think that the very long answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary covers that point, but, if it does not, I will try to get the information and either send it to the hon. Member or he can put down another question.

15. Mr. RHYS DAVIES

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his inspectors have yet visited all the factories and workshops established by foreign firms in this country during recent months, with a view to seeing that the statutory obligations in relation to safety and any other conditions relating to employment are being carried out?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir Herbert Samuel)

Yes, Sir, all such factories and workshops of which the Factory Department are aware have been visited by the inspectors, in many cases more than once. The district inspectors report that generally speaking the statutory obligations were observed and the occupiers were anxious to comply with the law. There have, however, been irregularities in some cases and in every such case steps have been or are being taken to secure compliance.

Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMS

Is the right hon. Gentleman pleased with the Government policy which has produced these new factories?

Sir H. SAMUEL

That does not strictly arise out of this question. I only wish that the number employed bore some relation to the number of British people unemployed.