§ 20. Mr. McENTEEasked the Minister of Labour whether the permits granted for the entry into this country of instructors at the factory of the Bata. Shoe Company, East Tilbury, are still operative; if so, when they will expire; whether he is satisfied that the firm in question are carrying out their undertaking to observe the wages and conditions laid down in the national agreement of the boot and shoe industry in this country; whether he is aware that the firm's undertaking not to compete in the British market is not being observed; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?
Mr. HUDSONThere are at present seven foreign instructors employed under permit in the factories of the Bata Shoe Company at Tilbury; four of these are in the rubber shoe factory and three in. the fabric and leather shoe factory. In addition 10 foreigners are employed under permit in managerial and technical posts. In three cases the permission runs until December next; in the remainder—including all the instructors—the date of expiry is 6th June. I have no reason to think that the company is not carrying out the arrangement made with my Department in regard to the rates of wages. The arrangement did not include an under taking not to compete in the British market.