HC Deb 19 September 1940 vol 365 c198
64. Mr. Ralph Etherton

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that established shipping and other companies who normally handled continental imported iron are having to dismiss many of their employés, particularly those employed at London wharves, because the Iron and Steel Federation are employing firms not previously in this business who pay very cheap rates, in some cases below the union scale; and whether he will take steps to avoid such hardships to workers and to implement the policy of the Government to direct trade through normal channels?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply (Mr. Harold Macmillan)

My right hon. Friend's attention has not previously been called to the complaint to which my hon. Friend refers, but if my hon. Friend cares to furnish me with particulars of the cases which he has in mind, I will certainly see that inquiries are made.

Mr. Etherton

I will furnish my hon. Friend with the necessary particulars.