§ 64. Mr. KIRKWOODasked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the fact that certain foreign firms licensed to operate in this country are offering wages considerably below the standards prevalent in the district; and will he made it a condition in future licences that the wages paid to British employés must be equal to those current in the district?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Sir Henry Betterton)It is not necessary for a foreign firm to obtain a licence in order to carry on business in this country, but if the hon. Member is referring to permits for the employment of aliens I can assure him that such permits are not granted except on condition that the wages to be paid are not less than those current in the industry. If, however, the hon. Member will send me further particulars of what he has in mind I shall be glad to inquire into them.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs the Minister aware that a French firm in Mossley is paying its labourers 7d. per hour, engineers 8½d., joiners 1s. 2d., and has recently advertised for a foreman engineer to take charge of the mechanics shop, and have offered him 11d. per hour; and that the Mossley Town Council granted the firm free rates for eight years? What is the right hon. Gentleman going to do in that case?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONPerhaps the hon. Member will either come to see me, or write to me on that matter, when I shall he very glad to go into it.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODWill the right hon. Gentleman receive a deputation?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONCertainly.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODThank you very much