§ 1. Mr. GROVESasked the Minister of Labour how many aliens are employed by the Enfield Cable Works, Limited, Enfield, Middlesex; and the duration of their licences and in what capacity they are employed?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. R. S. Hudson)Permits for the employment 1226 of aliens by the Enfield Cable Works, Limited, have been granted at various dates during the past 18 months. The number at present employed is 12, and their cases come under review during the present year. They are technical experts employed in connection with specialised metal processes.
§ Mr. GROVESIs the hon. Gentleman aware that 23 men from Scotland who, as the result of an arrangement with the Employment Exchange, were engaged at this works, have been dismissed recently, before the introduction of the aliens, because they joined a trade union and because they asked for an increase of pay; and will the hon. Gentleman make some inquiry as to what steps can be taken in the matter?
§ Mr. HUDSONI do not know whether the whole of the details which the hon. Member has given are in accordance with the information that I have, but I know that there is a dispute, and I understand that the union is endeavouring to get in touch with the firm.