§ 2. Mr. Tinkerasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the discontent among munition workers at men of military age being brought over from Northern Ireland to work in munition factories; and is he in a position to say how many have come over since the war started?
§ Mr. BevinA considerable number of workers have been transferred from Northern Ireland to work of national importance in Great Britain. I have had no information that the presence among them of men of military age is generally resented by their fellow workers. As regards the second part of the Question, the information for which my hon. Friend asks is not available.
§ Mr. TinkerWill the right hon. Gentleman take it from me that there is resentment? This resentment is caused because in many cases these men have been billeted on families whose sons have gone to war. One can understand the feelings of these people in the matter. Can nothing be done to examine this question and put these men in the same position as our lads?
§ Mr. BevinThe question of conscripting men in Northern Ireland is not a matter for my Department. It raises political issues which cannot be answered in reply to a Question. However, if the hon. Member will give me particulars of resentment or difficulties, I will cause my local welfare officer to investigate.
§ Mr. TinkerI will do that.
§ Sir Hugh O'NeillWould it not be better, and much fairer to all concerned, if conscription was applied to Northern Ireland, in conformity with the rest of the United Kingdom?
§ Mr. McGovernIs the Minister aware that the reason for these men coming from Northern Ireland is that they are refused unemployment benefit unless they come and work in this country? Is not the difficulty the result of the action of the.Ministry of Labour rather than that of the men concerned?
§ Mr. BevinI am not responsible for the administration of the Unemployment Acts in Northern Ireland, and therefore I cannot give an answer.