§ 14. Mr. Peartasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will give figures to show the response of Irish workers towards recruitment in the coalmining industry.
§ Mr. ShinwellSince July last, when such recruitment commenced, 1,865 men have come to this country from Northern Ireland and Eire for employment in the coalmining industry.
§ Mr. PeartCan my right hon. Friend assure the House that suitable hostel accommodation will be provided for recruits who have to come from Ireland?
§ Mr. ShinwellWe have taken particular care to see that proper facilities are provided for these persons. We might have been able to secure a larger number if we had had the accommodation.
§ Mr. Manningham-BullerWill the right hon. Gentleman make some inquiry of the Minister of Supply to see if he can transfer some of the Irish labour at Ministry of Supply depots to the mines, seeing that Irish labour is now being retained at the expense of the employment of ex-Servicemen?
§ Mr. ShinwellI have no information on that point, but as the hon. and learned Member no doubt has, perhaps he will convey it.