§ 11. Mr. McEnteeasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the main responsibility of the workmen holding alien permits in the employ of the British Bata Shoe Company, East Tilbury, is to speed up production by overdriving the rest of the operatives; whether this was understood when the permits were granted; and, if not, what action he proposes to take?
§ Mr. E. BrownThe answer to the first two parts of the question is in the negative; the third part, therefore, does not arise.
§ Mr. McEnteeWill the Minister make inquiries with regard to this factory, because the information indicates very clearly that that is the only purpose of these men being there?
§ Mr. BrownThe hon. Member may not, perhaps, be aware that I answered a series of questions on this matter last week, when I pointed out that the chairman of the company and the leaders of the union had established contact, and I prefer to leave it there.
§ Mr. McEnteeCan the Minister say how long the permits which have been issued to these men are to continue?
§ Mr. LawsonIs the right hon. Gentleman quite sure that the two sides have actually met?
§ Mr. BanfieldIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the chairman of the company has declared to the secretary of the union that in no circumstances will he recognise trade union rates?