HC Deb 21 September 1948 vol 456 c667
1. Mr. Gammans

asked the Minister of Labour how many of the Jamaicans who came to this country on the "Empire Windrush" are still registered as unemployed.

The Minister of Labour (Mr. Isaacs)

Of the 242 Jamaicans who were accommodated at Clapham, 23 left of their own accord and the remaining 219 were placed in employment.

Mr. Gammans

Can the Minister say what is the policy of the Government regarding labour from the West Indies? Do they encourage it or discourage it?

Mr. Isaacs

With respect, I think that does not arise out of the Question, but I can tell the hon. Member that provided we are notified of the arrival of any of these people, we will do our very best to place them, as we did in this instance.

Mr. John Lewis

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in the East End of London there are 300 to 400 coloured people unemployed?

Mr. Isaacs

I was not aware of that.