HC Deb 22 January 1948 vol 446 cc376-7
49. Mr. George Thomas

asked the Minister of Labour whether the engineering unions have now agreed to the employment of Poles in those branches of the industry producing mining equipment.

Mr. Isaacs

My negotiations with the engineering trade unions on this question are not yet complete but I regret to say that the Amalgamated Engineering Union has informed me that they cannot agree to the employment of Poles in occupations with which they are concerned. In the circumstances, in view of the urgent need to fill outstanding vacancies on essential work such as the production of mining equipment, I have found it necessary to issue an instruction to my local officers an extract from which I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT, providing for the submission of Poles in certain circumstances where, despite every effort by the local offices to fill the vacancies, it is clear that no suitable British labour is available.

Mr. Stokes

May I ask whether the instruction also applies to the heavy engineering industry, where these men are badly needed and where production is being held up?

Mr. Isaacs

This instruction applies to all vacancies which would otherwise be filled by members of the Amalgamated Engineering Union.

Vice-Admiral Taylor

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how long these discussions with the Amalgamated Engineering Union have been going on and when they are likely to come to a conclusion?

Mr. Isaacs

This one has already come to a conclusion.

Mr. Frederick Lee

Would it be true to say that the Amalgamated Engineering Union have accepted many thousands more dilutees than any other union in the country and have there not been complaints of redundancy in South Wales from men who would welcome the opportunity of producing mining equipment?

Mr. Isaacs

That is correct. The trouble is that, while there may be British engineers available in one part of the country, it is not always possible to transfer them to other parts of the country. Rather than impose a direction compelling someone to move from one place to another, we prefer to see the use of this labour which is available.

Following is the extract:

The Amalgamated Engineering Union has informed the Minister that the Union cannot agree to the employment of Poles in occupations with which they are concerned. In view of the urgent need to fill outstanding vacancies on essential work, local officers are instructed to take action as follows where such vacancies are notified:

  1. (1) Energetic steps should first be taken to find suitable and available British labour. Where there is difficulty, the assistance of the local trade union branch should be sought.
  2. (2) If, notwithstanding action as in (1), it is impossible to obtain suitable and available British labour willing to take the job, the employer should be informed accordingly. He should, further be advised that if he wishes to employ alternative labour he should consult the local branch of the union. If in the result the Local Officer receives a specific request from the employer for alternative labour, suitable and available members of the Polish Resettlement Corps should be submitted.