HC Deb 23 July 1946 vol 425 cc1856-7
31. Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will have a special register kept of any suitable vacancies in South Wales, and inform those who have migrated from Wales during recent years of such vacancies so that they may have an early opportunity of returning to their native country.

Mr. Ness Edwards

I regret that it would be impracticable to introduce the full scheme suggested by my hon. Friend, but suitable vacancies in their home area are brought to the notice of workers who have recently transferred from home under the temporary transfer scheme, and their return is facilitated.

Mr. Freeman

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that a quarter of a million people left Wales during the depression and after the 1918 war, and that many of them would like to go back if there are vacancies for them? Could some scheme be provided whereby they could be informed of any possible vacancies?

Mr. Ness Edwards

That is why we introduced the temporary transfer scheme, under which all workers transferred are notified of vacancies in their own areas.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that at the present moment there are tens of thousands of people unemployed in South Wales? Will something be done about that before bringing more people into the area?

Mr. Ness Edwards

That is why we have the temporary transfer scheme.