§ 47. Mr. Dribergasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that, in a number of cases, his officers have had difficulty in finding work for coloured men, owing to the reluctance of some employers to engage them; and if he will instruct all his officers that no labour at all is to be supplied to employers who reject, on racial grounds, otherwise suitable applicants for work.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Ness Edwards)No, Sir. In my view the good will already existing in many quarters towards coloured workers would be dissipated by an attempt to impose sanctions such as my hon. Friend suggests, even if these were practicable.
§ Mr. DribergIs my right hon. Friend aware that he is, in effect, condoning and conniving at discrimination when he gives that answer? Can he not—
§ Mr. DribergIf hon. Members would not make so much noise with their Order Papers, they would be able to hear me. I was asking whether my right hon. Friend could not assimilate his practice with that of the Ministry of Food, which does, after all, refuse a licence to catering establishments if they pursue a policy of discrimination?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsI am afraid that such a course would penalise British workers. I do not think I could agree to a course which would penalise our own workers.
§ Earl WintertonIn view of the serious allegations made in the Question and the effect that they will have upon Colonial relationships, may I ask whether it is not true that, so far as there is any resentment about the employment of these men, it is due as much to the employees as to the employers, and to certain trade unions?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsI must say that the blame can be equally divided. A great deal of good will is being shown in this matter and a very large measure of employment has been found for these men.
§ Mr. DribergWhile I appreciate that, may I ask my right hon. Friend if he will bear in mind, when he uses the term "British workers," that it includes a number of coloured people?
§ Mr. Ness Edwards indicated assent.