HC Deb 18 July 1938 vol 338 c1800
53. Mr. Gordon Macdonald

asked the First Commissioner of Works the number of persons at present employed in the work of construction on the two Government factories being established in Lancashire in connection with the rearmament programme; and the number recruited locally?

The First Commissioner of Works (Sir Philip Sassoon)

The number of persons employed is 10,227 and the number recruited through the local Employment Exchanges is 3,653.

Mr. Macdonald

Is the Minister aware that for every one drawn from the local Employment Exchanges there are more than two from outside and that that position is causing dissatisfaction in these areas; and will he not take steps to have this matter remedied?

Sir P. Sassoon

All practicable steps are taken to secure that local unemployed labour is engaged, where possible.

Mr. E. J. Williams

Would it not be beneficial to stipulate in all contracts that local labour shall be given priority?

Sir P. Sassoon

There is a clause in all contracts that local Employment Exchanges should be notified of vacancies.