HC Deb 27 February 1947 vol 433 cc2279-80
59. Mr. McEntee

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the serious shortage of labour here, he will take steps to fill some of the vacancies by attracting to this country large numbers of the citizens of Fire who crossed the border during the war for work on the land, in factories, hospital, hotels, etc., and are now being ordered to leave Northern Ireland.

Mr. Isaacs

I understand that the Government of Northern Ireland has not found it possible to renew the six-monthly residence permits of some workers from Eire. My Department is in consultation with the Ministry of Labour, Northern Ireland, to see whether it is practicable to offer vacancies in this country to such workers as ape suitable.

Mr. McEntee

Will the right hon. Gentleman remember the answer that has been given to Question No. 54, in which it is stated that many farmers in this country have ample accommodation for workers, and these people, therefore, would be useful to many British farmers? In addition to that, hospitals can supply accommodation, and many of these workers, who are nurses. are sadly needed over here.

Mr. Isaacs

I think the hon. Gentleman should write to the Ministry of Labour. Northern Ireland, on the subject.

Mr. Mulvey

In view of the fact that the Residence Permit Order in Northern Ireland is creating the position of establishing displaced persons in Ireland, will the Minister say if it is in accord with democratic principles that Irish people should be debarred from living in any part of their own country?

Mr. Isaacs

That is not a question for me.

60. Brigadier Rayner

asked the Minister of Labour how many men from Eire have entered the coalmining industry in the past 12 months; how they are recruited; and in what sections of the mining labour force they serve.

Mr. Isaacs

About 3,000 have taken up employment in coalmining in the last 12 months. The opportunities afforded by coalmining are brought to the notice of unemployed men in Eire through the agency of my liaison officer in Dublin and special arrangements are made to facilitate the travel of suitable men. After suitable training they are employed underground on haulage and other essential tasks from which they graduate to work at the coalface.