HC Deb 30 June 1932 vol 267 c2009
41. Mr. THOMAS COOK

asked the Minister of Agricuture if he is aware that a number of Irishmen are offering themselves for employment in Norfolk, to the detriment of local agricultural labourers; and whether he will take steps to see that preference is given to local wage earners?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I understand that a certain number of Irish workers are being employed by farmers in Norfolk for seasonal work. Every effort has been made by my Department in conjunction with the Ministry of Labour and with the full co-operation of the National Farmers' Union, to call the attention of farmers to the facilities offered by the Employment Exchanges for the supply from their registers of any seasonal labour required.

Mr. MAXTON

Has the right hon. Gentleman made any inquiry why farmers, in spite of his efforts, are still prepared to use Irish labour?