§ 50. Mr. William Shepherdasked the Minister of Labour how many Miners' Union Lodges have passed resolutions 1867 refusing to admit Polish or other volunteers to the mines; and how many have agreed to their admission.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Ness Edwards)I am not aware of the number of resolutions passed but the general position is now sound.
§ 51. Mr. Gerald Williamsasked the Minister of Labour if he has now received definite proposals from the Italian Government about the importation of miners from Italy to this country to help in the export of coal; and what decision has been reached.
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Isaacs)I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs that he has yet only received an informal note on this subject. At present, therefore, I am not in a position to add anything to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power on 6th November.
§ Mr. WilliamsWill the Minister tell us if he knows for certain that there are spare miners in Italy; and, if there are, does he not consider it would be very advantageous to this country to bring them here, even though all the coal was exported back to Italy?
§ Mr. IsaacsI think I must confine myself to the answer I have already given.
§ Earl WintertonCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether this policy is being considered in connection with the policy of the International Refugee Committee, of which His Majesty's Government is a participating member, which wishes to have work found for refugees in this and other countries? Is the right hon. Gentleman considering the two things in relation to each other.
§ Mr. IsaacsI could not give a specific answer to the noble Lord. I think that that is so, but I would like to look at it.