HC Deb 22 February 1939 vol 344 cc358-9
12. Mr. Turton

asked the Secretary of State for Air the total number of men employed in connection with the construction of the aerodrome at Carlton Miniott, Thirsk; how many of these are Irishmen; and how many have been recruited from the local Employment Exchange?

The Secretary of State for Air (Sir Kingsley Wood)

I understand that 260 men are at present employed, most of whom were engaged locally, including 44 through the local Employment Exchange. I am informed that of the total number employed 40 are Irish.

Mr. Turton

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the great disappointment in that district that these Irishmen are being preferred to local unemployed, of whom there are 250?

Sir K. Wood

Government contractors are required to notify the appropriate Employment Exchanges as and when any additional labour is required to carry out a contract. They are requested to inform the Employment Exchanges without delay of any vacancies that are filled. As far as the other matter is concerned, there are no powers, as my hon. Friend knows, to restrict the entry of British subjects into the United Kingdom.

Mr. T. Williams

Is it not now time for the Government to seek powers to insist upon contractors employing local unemployed labour?

Mr. Turton

Will my right hon. Friend do what he can to secure that, when this work is ending, the Englishmen will be-kept on longer than the Irishmen?

Sir K. Wood

That is another matter.

Mr. Logan

In view of the announcement with regard to Irishmen coming in, will the right hon. Gentleman make it clear that the British Army also requires Irishmen?

Mr. Crossley

Will my right hon. Friend consider making representations to the Ministry of Labour?

13. Mr. Turton

asked the Secretary of State for Air what firm has obtained the contract for the construction of the aerodrome at Carlton Miniott, Thirsk; and where the firm has its head offices?

Sir K. Wood

The contract for the construction of the Royal Air Force Station at Carlton Miniott has been placed after competitive tendering with Messrs. Stewart and Partners, Baker Street, London.