HC Deb 11 November 1937 vol 328 cc1817-8
16. Mr. Davidson

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has completed his inquiries regarding the employment of sandwichmen during the recent municipal elections in Glasgow at 4s. per day; and whether he has now any statement to make?

Mr. E. Brown

Yes, Sir. I am informed that: vacancies were notified for boys aged 16 to 18 years, at a wage of 4s. a day, to carry sandwich boards. It was not mentioned that the vacancies were in connection with the municipal elections. The vacancies were not pressed on applicants, but six boys volunteered to accept them. No suggestion was made by the exchange that refusal of the vacancies would entail loss of benefit.

Mir. Davidson

Is the Minister aware that the majority of these sandwichmen were employed for the Progressive party in Glasgow and were married men; that on their own statement they were informed at the Employment Exchange that they must take this employment or forfeit their unemployment allowances; and will he ascertain who were the real employers of these men?

Mr. Brown

I do not accept either of those two statements. I have made the closest investigation into this matter, and I am informed that this was an order from an advertising agency. As to the suggestion made in the previous question about the men, I can find no ground for it. The facts are as stated in the answer.

Mr. Davidson

In view of the necessity of having the facts of this case made clear to the House, I will raise this matter on the Motion for the Adjournment.