HC Deb 29 May 1951 vol 488 cc10-1
15. Mrs. Braddock

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he is taking to find employment for the coloured unemployed persons in Liverpool; and how many seamen who were removed from the pool of seamen have been found alternative employment.

Mr. Lee

Forty-seven coloured seamen who had been removed from the shipping industries registers during the winter were interviewed at my local offices in Liverpool. Of these, 15 have been placed in or found work in the area and six have moved to other parts of the country. Efforts will continue to be made to find suitable employment for the remainder.

Mrs. Braddock

In view of the fact that a number of these seamen are qualified firemen and stokers, could my hon. Friend say whether any negotiations or discussions are going on with the trade unions whereby these men might be considered for employment in the nationalised industries?

Mr. Lee

Of course we receive notifications of vacancies from all industries; including the nationalised industries. We are not the ones to determine who will be accepted, but coloured seamen are not treated differently from other seamen so far as being placed in other jobs is concerned.

Forward to