HC Deb 20 October 1932 vol 269 cc313-4
43. Mr. STOURTON

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many Irish seasonal workers have come over to this country during the present year and have been or are at present employed in the agricultural industry?

Major ELLIOT

I am afraid that no statistics are available of the number of Irish workers who come to this country for seasonal employment in agriculture. From such information as is available, however, it does not appear that the number this year has been greater than usual.

Mr. STOURTON

Could not the coming of Irish workers be stopped altogether while unemployment continues?

Mr. LAMBERT

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether these men who come to England are paid the standard rate of wages?

Major ELLIOT

I am afraid that I shall need to make inquiry into that matter.

Major HARVEY

Can my right hon. and gallant Friend say whether this includes Northern Ireland, or does it only refer to the Irish Free State?

Major ELLIOT

I take it that this refers both to migrants from the Free State and from Northern Ireland. It is one of the difficulties of the situation.

Mr. ROSS

Is not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that they should always be divided?