HC Deb 17 March 1938 vol 333 cc568-9
21. Mr. T. Williams

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has any information from Employment Exchanges or other sources of the extent to which Irish labour is being employed at present on English and Welsh farms; and whether there are any exchanges at present which have notifications of vacancies on farms for which no suitable English or Welsh farm workers can be found?

Mr. E. Brown

Information is not available as to the total number of Irish persons who are employed at present on English and Welsh farms, but the number of persons from Eire to whom unemployment books were issued in respect of employment in agriculture, excluding gardening, in England and Wales during the period July, 1937, to February, 1938, inclusive, was 1,266 of whom 852 were non-domiciled workers engaged for the most part in seasonal employment. As regards the second part of the question, I am making inquiries and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Viscountess Astor

When these Irishmen become unemployed do they go on the local authorities or does the Irish Free State help them?

Mr. Brown

These men are engaged on seasonal work.

Mr. T. Williams

When farmers are in search of agricultural labour and make applications to the Employment Exchanges, do the managers of the exchanges advise them of the agricultural labour available?

Mr. Brown

Always.

Mr. Buchanan

When the right hon. Gentleman is recruiting for the British Army will he take into consideration that the Irish are acceptable there?

Mr. Brown

That is not my responsibility.

27. Mr. T. Smith

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed agricultural workers who are receiving the maximum unemployment insurance benefit of 30s. per week at the latest available date?

Mr. Brown

I regret that statistics giving the information desired are not available.

Mr. Smith

Is the Minister satisfied that 30s. a week is sufficient to enable a family to obtain the necessaries of life?

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