§ 6. Mr. Lipsonasked the Minister of Labour what restrictions are imposed by his Department which prevent friendly aliens from accepting employment that is offered to them?
§ Mr. BevinThe only restrictions placed by my Department upon the employment of aliens are that wages and conditions of the employment should be not less favourable than those whch would be paid to a British subject who might be employed in a similar capacity and that the employment of the alien would not be detrimental to suitable unemployed British labour.
§ Mr. LipsonIn view of the statement made yesterday that there is work for all British labour, may I ask my right hon. Friend if it is necessary to insist on that condition?
§ Mr. BevinIf there is no unemployed labour, then it is quite a formal thing, but I am tied by Resolution of this House, and so long as that Resolution stands I must observe it in administration, although there is, in fact, no delay if there is no British labour available.
§ Mr. LipsonWould my right hon. Friend raise no objection to a young Czech accepting employment at a bank at Cheltenham, and inform the local employment officer to that effect?
§ Mr. BevinSecurity and other reasons must be taken into consideration, and I cannot give a general answer, but if my hon. Friend will let me have particulars, I will look into the matter at once.