§ 34. Mr. Thorneycroftasked the Secretary of State for Air how many men are employed as labourers by the contractors to his Department upon the construction of a Royal Air Force depot at Stafford; how many of these men are of English nationality; and how many of these have been engaged through employment exchanges?
§ Sir K, WoodI understand that 33 labourers are employed on the construction of this depot. Eleven are English, of whom eight were engaged through the employment exchanges. The remainder are Irish labourers, all of whom, I am informed, have worked with the firm for 10 years or more.
§ Mr. ThorneycroftIs my right hon. Friend aware that considerable public indignation does exist as regards the very limited number of English labourers employed, and will he consult with the Minister of Labour and see whether some scheme can be devised whereby the number of Irishmen employed may be limited?
§ Sir K. WoodYes, Sir. It was announced a few days ago that the matter is under consideration.
§ Mr. Benjamin SmithIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that fair wages are paid to these men?