§ 16. Major Beamishasked the Minister of Labour which trade unions have agreed to the employment of foreign labour and with what conditions; which trade unions have refused to accept foreign labour of any nationality other than ex-enemy nationality; and with which trade unions negotiations are still in progress.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsNo trade union has finally refused to accept foreign labour of any nationality. The terms of the numerous agreements on the subject vary widely, and could not be explained in a reply to a Question. Negotiations are in progress in a number of industries with a view either to the making of an agreement or the extension of an existing one.
§ Mr. ErrollThe Minister has said that no trade union has finally refused. Can he say whether any trade union has temporarily refused?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsSome negotiations have been delayed on account of the fuel position.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydWill the Minister lay before Parliament the terms of the agreements, which vitally affects the liberty of the subject?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsThe terms of some agreements, particularly that with the Miners' Federation, have already been announced in the House in answer to a Question. Whether or not it is desirable to place on the Table all the agreements, I do not know, but I think there would be no objection to supplying them. I will send a copy to the hon. Gentleman.