HC Deb 08 July 1937 vol 326 cc532-3
7. Sir Nicholas Grattan-Doyle

asked the Minister of Labour what numbers of men have been engaged through the medium of the Employment Exchanges for potato picking in Jersey during the present season; from what areas of Great Britain they have been mainly drawn; upon what terms the men are engaged; and what steps are taken by his Department to see that the terms of the engagement are observed by both parties?

Mr. Butler

The number of men engaged through the Employment Exchanges for agricultural work in Jersey during 1937 is approximately 2,100. The men were mainly drawn from the South Western and South Eastern counties of England. They were engaged on terms brought to their notice before acceptance of the work and embodied in contracts signed by them and their employers; a minimum scale of wages has been drawn up by the Jersey Farmers' Union. Officers of my Department are stationed in Jersey to facilitate the smooth working of the scheme and to help in any difficulties which may arise in carrying out the terms of the contract.

Mr. Leslie

What is the average wage per man in this work?

Mr. Butler

I think I could let the hon. Member have particulars of the average wage.

Mr. George Griffiths

Could the men who are out of employment and who go to Jersey to work have insurance stamps put on their cards while they are in Jersey?

Mr. Butler

I should require notice of that question.

15. Mr. Paling

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has made an investigation into the complaints made by a number of men who have been sent into Jersey for potato picking; and whether he has any statement to make about the matter?

Mr. Butler

I presume the reference is to two cases of which particulars were sent to me by the hon. Member for Rothwell (Mr. Lunn). A full reply is being sent to him, but I may say briefly that the investigation showed that these men had no substantial ground of complaint.

Mr. Paling

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these complaints have come from a number of men up and down the country, and that the Minister admitted last week there were reasons for the complaints because it was rather a new venture? Is he also aware that these complaints have been going on for some years and that the troubles ought to have been found out before now?

Mr. Butler

My Department have special officers in Jersey to avoid any trouble of this sort and every effort is made to meet it. If the hon. Gentleman likes, I will, with the permission of the hon. Member for Rothwell (Mr. Lunn), communicate to him the facts of this case.

Mr. Paling

Is it not the case that when a dispute arises as to the area of ground picked, there are not sufficient officers sent by the Ministry of Labour to settle it, and that very often bad relations arise?

Mr. Butler

It is our aim to avoid bad relations.

Mr. Charles Williams

Is my hon. Friend aware that some of the men have done very well?

Mr. Lunn

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that although there was a necessity for 3,000 potato pickers, only 2,100 applied for work of this character this year; and that conditions at some places are bad?

Mr. Butler

I would not like it to be said that the conditions are bad in Jersey—

Mr. Lunn

I did not say that.

Mr. Butler

I am glad that the hon. Gentleman did not mean that. I am aware that there are certain difficulties which the officers of the Ministry do their best to avoid.