HC Deb 05 December 1950 vol 482 cc176-7
11. Mr. Heathcoat Amory

asked the Minister of Labour what his present policy is as regards the recruitment of foreign workers for the coalmining industry.

Mr. Isaacs

My policy is to recruit foreign workers to the extent that the industry requires them and can make use of them.

Mr. Amory

While realising the right hon. Gentleman's difficulties, may I ask him to do his utmost to get people to understand that the recruitment of a limited number of selected workers into the mines will not put anyone out of work, but may well improve the security of many thousands of our workers?

Mr. Isaacs

Yes, Sir. We are again taking up this question with the organisation concerned to see whether we can get co-operation in the matter.

Mr. George Thomas

Will my right hon. Friend continue to bear in mind the necessity for co-operation with those who work in the industry whenever this question arises?

Mr. Isaacs

That is precisely the point we have in mind.