HC Deb 16 March 1948 vol 448 cc1861-2
16. Mr. Teeling

asked the Minister of Labour how many British subjects were put forward by his Department for the post of editor for the Siamese section of the B.B.C. Far Eastern Broadcasting Service; and what were their qualifications.

Mr. Isaacs

My Department's dealings with individual employers and work-people in connection with the filling of notified vacancies are confidential, and I am therefore not at liberty to disclose this information.

Mr. Teeling

While I do not wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman to give any assurances, may I ask him whether he is aware that some 400 people applied, of whom 15 came from his Ministry? Why was this post given to a Siamese when so many others were applying? I can show the right hon. Gentleman cases of really good qualified people. Will he look into this matter again?

Mr. Isaacs

No, Sir. When we send names of persons to an employer, we leave the employer to make his choice, and I am not going to try to exercise any persuasion.

Mr. Teeling

Is it not the case that one has to have permission from the Ministry of Labour to employ foreigners?

Mr. Isaacs

That is another question. If the hon. Gentleman will put it on the Order Paper I will look into it.