§ 2. Dr. Leechasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the resentment caused to unemployed men resident 319 in the distressed areas by the influx of competing labour from the Irish Free State; and whether he proposes to take any action to prevent employment being obtained by the Irish visitors while the local men are unemployed?
§ Mr. E. BrownI have no authority to act in the manner suggested by my hon. Friend. In the case of vacancies notified to the Employment Exchanges, first consideration is given to local applicants and afterwards, as far as practicable, to suitably qualified persons from areas of heavy unemployment in this country.
§ Mr. TinkerIs any record kept of how many are taken on?