§ 5. Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Minister of Labour whether he is now in a position to state the result of his inquiries into the wages and conditions of employment in the French firm at Mossley, Lancashire?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Mr. Oliver Stanley)My authority in this matter is limited to the issue of permits for the employment of aliens, and the information which I have obtained does not appear to me to justify the withdrawal of the permits which have been issued to this firm for the temporary employment of a limited number of aliens on the salaried and supervisory staff. I should perhaps add that the whole question of working conditions in this industry, in which general wages and hours agreements have been terminated, is receiving my consideration in consultation with employers' and workers' representatives.
§ Mr. DAVIESDoes the Minister realise that the question is directed to find out whether the Ministry of Labour will lay down conditions so that foreign capitalists shall not exploit the labour of British subjects? It is not directed against aliens coming here to work under certain conditions.
§ Mr. STANLEYThe hon. Member must understand that the only power I have is with regard to the employment of certain specified aliens who are working in this factory.
§ Mr. DAVIESWill the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to inquire into this problem of foreign capitalists exploiting our own workpeople and degrading their conditions of employment below the standards which are ordinarily applicable to British firms?
§ Mr. STANLEYThe general question of the hon. Member is one which is worthy of consideration.