HC Deb 30 April 1936 vol 311 cc1068-9
5. Mr. RHYS DAVIES

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the French firm, the Mossley Wool Combing and Spinning Company, Limited, Milton Mill, Mossley, is employing adult men for a 48-hour week at a wage of 28s., whereas the recognised district rate for the job is over £2, and that they are employing women at 24s. per week instead of 28s., being the recognised rate for such work; and whether he will take steps to remedy this state of affairs?

Mr. E. BROWN

I am in communication with the company on the subject of the hon. Member's question.

Mr. DAVIES

Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to tell the firm frankly that they are not entitled to come to this country and degrade the conditions of employment?

Mr. BROWN

I will wait to see the result of my investigation.

17. Mr. RHYS DAVIES

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether be is aware that a French employer of labour in the town of Mossley, Lanes, was recently found guilty and fined at the local police court for an assault on one of his workmen, a British subject; and will he take steps to issue instructions to all foreign employers of labour establishing themselves in this country that their behaviour to- wards their workpeople must conform to the practices prevailing in this country?

18. Mr. MARKLEW

asked the Home Secretary how many workmen or officials of the Mossley Wool Combing and Spinning Company, Limited, Milton Mill, Mosley, are aliens employed under licence issued by his Department; whether any such licence covers the employment by the company of a French foreman who, on 5th March of this year, savagely attacked a workman under his supervision, for which assault he was fined at the Mossley police court; and whether he will take steps to ensure that in such circumstances any licence from his Department shall be revoked?

The SECRETARY OF STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir John Simon)

The number of foreigners employed by this firm who have been admitted under Ministry of Labour permit is nine and includes the person referred to. The circumstances of the assault are being investigated in consultation with the Ministry of Labour with a view to deciding what action should be taken.

Mr. DAVIES

Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to tell these foreign employers that when they establish themselves in this country they must adhere to the practices prevailing in industry in this country and not bring over the practices obtaining in their own country?

Sir J. SIMON

I have said that the matter is being investigated, and I am sure that the hon. Member will agree that that is the proper course to take.

Mr. MARKLEW

May we have the assurance of the Secretary of State that if the facts are found to be as stated, he will seriously consider revoking the licence in this case?

Sir J. SIMON

As I said in my original answer, the Ministry of Labour and my own Department are investigating the matter, and I hope that we shall take the right course, but we must first find out the facts.