§ 46. Mr. John Lewisasked the Minister of Labour how many persons, male and female, are employed at Messrs. Little-woods Store, in Deansgate, Bolton, who are covered by the Control of Engagement Order; and how many of these persons are ineligible for any reason for employment in the cotton mills, specifying the employees who fall into this category and stating, specifically, the reason in each case for their ineligibility for work in the mills.
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Isaacs)The Control of Engagement Order affects only persons seeking employment. The second part of the Question, therefore, does not arise.
§ Mr. LewisIs my right hon. Friend aware that the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade received a specific undertaking from this establishment that, in view of the mistake made in granting them a licence to convert a cinema into a store, they would not employ any person eligible for work in the cottonmills? In view of that, why is he not in a position to say how many people have applied at the employment exchange to be employed by this Littlewoods store?
§ Mr. IsaacsThat seems to be a different question. I have been asked about the Control of Engagement Order, which does not apply.
§ Mr. LewisIs it not a fact that if any person wishes to be employed by Little-woods he has to go to the employment exchange to get permission? That being so, can my right hon. Friend say how many people applied to the exchange for permission to be employed at this store?
§ Mr. IsaacsIf my hon. Friend will put that question on the Order Paper I will answer it.