§ 13. Mr. J. Griffithsasked the Minister of Labour the number of persons employed at the Royal Ordnance factory, and the Royal Air Force aerodrome at Pembray, Carmarthenshire; and the num- 1873 ber of such persons drawn from the local exchanges, and the number imported from outside areas?
§ Mr. E. BrownThe total numbers of men employed at the factory and aerodrome on 13th February were approximately 1,400 and 400 respectively. Since the commencement of the work at the factory over 1,200 men have been engaged through the local Employment Exchanges, and, in the absence of skilled local men, approximately 200 men from other areas. Similar particulars in respect of work at the Royal Air Force Depot are 300 and 100 respectively.
§ Mr. GriffithsWill the right hon. Gentleman inquire why it is that unskilled men are being brought in from outside when there are in the area unskilled men who have been unemployed for anything from five to 10 years?
§ Mr. BrownIf the hon. Member would like it, I will make inquiries, but he will understand that there are occasions when it is a question of the contractor's choice. have no power to place the men. There is power under the contract to have the vacancies notified to the Employment Exchanges, but when the contractor takes the contract he has the right of choice and may not select those whom the Exchanges offer.
§ Mr. GriffithsIn view of the intense depression in that area, has not the time come when power should be taken to compel contractors to take the men through the local exchanges?
§ Mr. BrownThat raises a very important issue, and perhaps I may be allowed to refer to it in the Debate which we shall have later. It is an important issue and has certain grave consequences.