HC Deb 27 July 1933 vol 280 cc2745-6
1. Mr. LEVY

asked the Minister of Labour if he has yet reached a decision on the application of the Bata Boot and Shoe Company for permits to bring foreign workpeople into this country to instruct British labour in Bata methods of production?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. R. S. Hudson)

After an exhaustive investigation and full consideration of all the representations made to him, my right hon. Friend has decided to issue permits for 10 foreign instructors to train British subjects. The period of the permits will be limited to six months. The foreign instructors will be paid at the rates obtaining in good British establishments, and my right hon. Friend has received the written assurance of the company that the wages rates for the British workers will not be less than those set out in the National Conference Agreement of November, 1932.

Mr. HANNON

Does the hon. Gentleman's answer indicate that that is the policy of His Majesty's Government in regard to all similar factories established in this country?

Mr. HUDSON

I do not think the general issue arises out of this question. We are treating each case on its merits.

Mr. LAWSON

Why should we have foreign instructors to teach our people to make boots?

Mr. HUDSON

We have gone into this matter very carefully with competent technical advisers, and we are satisfied that there are no British subjects available who can teach British workers. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh!"] Perhaps hon. Members will allow me to finish the sentence. I was about to say who can teach British workers these particular processes. If we had not been satisfied of that, we should not have given the permits.

Mr. LEVY

Is it not claimed that a good many hundreds of unemployed will be given employment when this new factory starts operations?

Mr. HUDSON

Yes, Sir, I think that is the case.

Mr. NEIL MACLEAN

Has the hon. Gentleman approached the representatives of the boot and shoe operatives or the employers in the industry to find out whether it is not possible to get workers in the industry here who are at least as competent in this respect as the foreigners referred to in the question?

Mr. HUDSON

We have been in touch with all persons who could, we thought, usefully give advice on this matter. I have myself received deputations both from the men's side and from the masters' side. We are satisfied that the issue of permits in this particular case is justified.

Mr. LAWSON

Is not the real object of establishing this boot factory to get lower-paid wage workers in this industry?

Mr. HUDSON

No, Sir.