HC Deb 12 March 1946 vol 420 cc931-2
21. Major Guy Lloyd

asked the Minister of Labour whether permission will be granted to farmers in Scotland to advertise for labour direct, without having first to apply for such permission to the local employment exchange.

Mr. Isaacs

No, Sir. The industry is still subject to the Essential Work (Agriculture) (Scotland) Order and it is not proposed to amend the provision relating to restrictions on advertising for an agricultural worker. This is in accord with the views of the representatives of both sides of the industry in Scotland.

Major Lloyd

While appreciating the significance of the reply, may I ask if the right hon. Gentleman is aware that this procedure does, in fact, often inconvenience farmers in moments of emergency and that it always takes something like three weeks to a month to obtain the permission and very often as long to obtain the necessary labour?

Mr. Isaacs

We take as much notice as we can of the desires of industry. On 12th February this year a meeting was organised between all concerned at which the desire was expressed that we should maintain the Regulation.

Mr. Snadden

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a fortnight must elapse before an employer is permitted to advertise?

Mr. Isaacs

I can only repeat that the National Farmers Union and the Scottish Farmworkers Union have asked us to maintain the Regulation.

Major Lloyd

Will the right hon. Gentleman instruct his officers in Scotland to be sympathetic in expediting these applications?

Mr. Isaacs

There is no need to instruct them to do that. They are always sympathetic.