HC Deb 26 April 1937 vol 323 cc23-4
42. Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now able to make a statement on the importation of Irish labour for excavation work on the site of the munition factory at Euxton, Chorley, Lancashire, to the detriment of the unemployed in surrounding distressed areas?

Mr. E. Brown

My inquiries into this matter are not yet complete, but according to the information which is at present available, the total number of men employed at 14th April by the contractor was 868, of whom 360 had been placed through the Employment Exchange, while a further 190 local men had been engaged direct on the site. The remainder include the permanent staff, a large number of men transferred by the contractor from other contracts, old employees who had written to the firm and been engaged direct, and men of the navvy type who had come from all parts of the country. The latter included 150 to 200 Irishmen, of whom about 70 had come direct from Ireland on their own initiative, the others being men who had been resident in this country for some time. I should point out that in accordance with the practice adopted in the case of all important Government contracts, the contractor was informed by the Office of Works that it was desired they should make use of the Employment Exchanges for the engagement of their labour, and should encourage their sub-contractors to do so also. The Employment Exchanges are taking every practicable step to secure employment on these works for suitably qualified men in the locality, and as necessary, in other districts, and consultations are at present taking place between representatives of the contractor, the Office of Works and the Ministry of Labour in order to secure that greater consideration is given to the claims of suitable applicants from areas of heavy unemployment that are adjacent to Chorley.

Mr. Davies

Does the Minister know that where unemployment is heaviest is only about eight miles from these munition works; and does he know, also, that men have walked from Chorley to try to find employment, only to learn that Irishmen are engaged on jobs which they could do?

Mr. Brown

There is no difference between the hon. Member and myself on this issue, and I am trying all the steps I can to secure the end which he and I have in view.

Sir William Davison

Will the Minister consult with his colleague the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs regarding the thousands of Irish labourers coming over to this country and taking jobs?

Mr. Davies

Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter at the first opportunity.