HC Deb 14 December 1938 vol 342 cc1978-9
44. Mr. Dunn

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he co-operates with the Employment Exchanges with regard to the employment of unemployed persons in any area where new aerodromes are being erected; and why men are being imported to Hatfield, near Don-caster, when there are thousands of unemployed within the area?

39. Mr. T. Williams

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware of the proposal to erect a large aerodrome at Hatfield, near Doncaster; that it is also proposed to erect wooden huts to accommodate a large number of imported labourers; and will he take steps to engage local unemployed labour for whom houses and all other services have been provided?

Sir K. Wood

A Royal Air Force aerodrome is to be erected at Hatfield, near Doncaster, as part of the approved expansion scheme. I am informed that the only hutting being erected there is to provide canteen accommodation for the contractors' workmen. Whilst I have no power to compel contractors to engage labour from any particular source, they are always asked to obtain their labour through the local Employment Exchange. I am assured that, in this instance, apart from a small nucleus of experienced men already in their employment, the contractors are willing to do this.

Mr. T. Smith

Are we to take it from that answer that the statement made in the Press that large numbers of men are to be imported into this district is incorrect?

Sir K. Wood

This is just the nucleus of the experienced men who are necessary, but I understand that the greater number of people who will be employed there will be obtained locally.

Mr. James Griffiths

Are we to understand that the Minister has no power to compel contractors who get these contracts to recruit their men from the local Employment Exchange?

Sir K. Wood

As a matter of fact, on all building contract forms there is a slip which says that the contractor shall notify the appropriate Employment Exchange as and when any additional labour is required to carry out the contract. It is done by that means, and I have no reason to suppose that contractors are not following it out.

Mr. Pritt

Would it not be better to have a clause in the contract, and not a slip?

Sir K. Wood

No difficulty has arisen, but if there is any difficulty I will consider the suggestion.