HC Deb 09 March 1948 vol 448 cc987-8
8. and 9. Mr. Parker

asked the Minister of Labour (1) what number of persons resident in Dagenham have been submitted to Messrs. Ford's for work and have been rejected and accepted, respectively, in the last month; and what number of the former were rejected on medical grounds;

(2) what number of persons from Barking, Romford and exchanges in Hornchurch and other areas outside Dagenham, respectively, were submitted for work at Ford's in the last month and were rejected and accepted, respectively; and what number of these came from Ireland.

Mr. Isaacs

A representative of the Ford Motor Company attends at the local office at Dagenham daily to interview any persons who wish to be employed by the company. During the four weeks ending 20th February last, 946 persons were interviewed and 423 began work. I do not know how many failed to pass the medical examination required by this company. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a tabular statement showing the areas in which these persons lived.

Mr. Parker

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a great deal of indignation in Dagenham because there is a feeling that local people are not getting a fair share of the jobs, and that other people are coming in, and so complicating our housing problem and overcrowding the area?

Mr. Isaacs

The table I propose to circulate will, I think, dispel that fear. In four of the exchange offices in that area 46 per cent. of the persons submitted were employed, and from outside offices 43 per cent. were employed. The number submitted from the locality was 524, against 422 from outside.

Following is the table:

RECRUITMENT IN THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY, FOUR WEEKS ENDING 20TH FEBRUARY, 1948.
Area of Residence. No. of persons interviewed. No. of persons who began work.
Dagenham … 340 158
Barking … 46 21
Romford … 83 37
Hornchurch … 55 25
Eire … 24 24
Other areas … 398 158
Total … 946 423