HC Deb 01 July 1948 vol 452 cc2367-8
50. Mr. Janner

asked the Minister of Labour what progress has been made in finding employment for the West Indians who arrived here from the "Empire Windrush"; and whether there has been any difficulty in finding housing accommodation for them near their work.

Mr. Isaacs

Of the 223 West Indians who landed from the "Empire Windrush" and who were accommodated at Clapham, 148 have been placed in employment. Eleven are under submission and 49 await placing. There have been no difficulties in finding accommodation other than those normally encountered owing to the housing shortage.

Mr. Driberg

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the West Indians concerned, and those hon. Members who have been to the Clapham deep shelter to see them, have been greatly impressed by the patience and hard work of his official, who has worked and lived down that deep shelter day and night for a whole week on end?

Mr. Isaacs

In view of the rather unfair comments that were made about the attitude of the Ministry in certain quarters, I am very grateful to the hon. Gentleman for what he has said.