HC Deb 01 March 1939 vol 344 cc1269-70
84 and 85. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Minister of Labour (1) the number of unemployed persons who refused to accept work at trade union rates, offered by employment exchanges in 1938;

(2) whether he has any information as to the number of persons who refused to accept employment at trade union rates offered by employers without the aid of employment exchanges?

The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Brown)

I regret that no information is available which would enable me to answer these questions.

Mr. Shinwell

Are we to take it that the allegations against unemployed persons having refused to accept work are not sustained?

Mr. Brown

The hon. Gentleman has asked for a statement about men who have refused to accept work, and I have said that I have no information to enable me to answer that question; and if he has any particular cases in mind I shall be glad to make inquiry into them.

Mr. Shinwell

If the right hon. Gentleman's Department has no information as to the number of unemployed persons who refuse to accept work at trade union rates why the allegation that unemployed persons are refusing to accept suitable employment?

Mr. Benjamin Smith

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many people have refused work at other than trade union rates?

Mr. Brown

Certainly not without notice.