HC Deb 28 October 1937 vol 328 cc229-32
21. Mr. James Hall

asked the Minister of Labour whether, before the alien permits granted to operatives in the employ of the British Bata Shoe Company, East Tilbury, are further extended, if at all, he will consult with responsible representatives of the boot and shoe industry as to whether the work performed by such operatives can be undertaken by British labour?

Mr. E. Brown

Recommendations to the Home Office in favour of the extension of permission granted to foreigners to work in this country are made by my Department only after careful investigation of the continued need for their employment, and in this connection I am always ready to take into consideration—in this case as in others—any representations which may be received from the recognised representatives of the industry concerned.

Mr. Hall

May we take it from that answer that the right hon. Gentleman will use his discretion against the entry of all aliens while there are unemployed people in the boot and shoe industry?

Mr. Brown

As the hon. Member knows, that is precisely my duty under the Act. That is what we are always doing in the course of our scrutiny of applications.

Mr. Shinwell

Is not this form of competition undesirable in view of the fact that its employment is based on non-union rates?

Mr. Brown

There is another question on that point.

Mr. Lawson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it was pointed out, when this firm was applying for permits to work here, that it was a notorious nonunion firm and that some guarantee was given by the Board of Trade to settle this matter before giving permits?

Mr. Brown

There is another question on that point.

22. Mr. T. Smith

asked the Minister of Labour the number of alien permits granted to operatives in the employ of the British Bata Shoe Company, East Tilbury; the length of time such permits have been in operation; and the duration of the present permits?

Mr. Brown

I am having information extracted, and will circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

24. Mr. Cluse

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that, in connection with the trade dispute at the factory of the British Bata Shoe Company, East Tilbury, the efforts of the conciliation officer to get the parties together have been met with a refusal by the firm to meet representatives of the union; and whether he proposes to take any further action?

Mr. Brown

My Department have been in touch with both sides to this dispute, and I understand that an exchange of views took place on 20th October between the general secretary of the union and the chairman of the company.

Mr. Herbert Morrison

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it right that this firm, which is resisting recognition of British trade unions, should be given special facilities for the employment of alien labour?

Mr. Brown

In view of the terms of the answer which I have given, as to an exchange of views, I would rather add nothing more.

37. Mr. T. Smith

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the factory of the British Bata Shoe Company, East Tilbury, was last visited by a factory inspector; and whether any infringements of the law were reported following such visit.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir Samuel Hoare)

I am informed that the last such visit was on 3rd September and that some irregularities were found. These points have been taken up with the firm, and I understand that they have been or are being remedied.

Mr. Smith

Could the right hon. Gentleman indicate the nature of these infringements.

Sir S. Hoare

I could probably give the hon. Member the details, but I have not them here.

39. Mr. McEntee

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a clause is displayed on the notice board at the factory gate in the contract of service signed by all operatives in the employ of the British Bata Shoe Company, East Tilbury, to the effect that the operative shall be responsible for the cleanliness of the machine, and on at least one day in the week will remain behind after six o'clock until the machine is adjudged clean, provided that there is no infringement of the hours stated by the Factory Act; and whether the factory inspector has inquired as to whether the clause in question is operated without infringing the provisions of the Factory Acts.

Sir S. Hoare

I understand that it is one of the usual conditions of service at these works that the operative is to be responsible for the cleanliness of his machine but not so as to infringe the hours laid down under the Factory Act. Investigations have been made from time to time into the hours worked at the factory, but the Department has no evidence that the condition referred to has led to any irregularity and has received no complaints from the operatives on the subject. I am advised that there would usually be a good margin for cleaning between the time of stopping ordinary work and the legal limits of hours.