HC Deb 10 April 1956 vol 551 cc30-2
56. Mr. Fenner Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if, in view of the number of West Indian and Indian workers who have recently been discharged in the automobile, electronic and other industries, he will make representations to the Governments of the territories from which these workers come that a warning should be given to intending emigrants regarding the employment situation in Britain.

The Minister of State for Colonial Affairs (Mr. John Hare)

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service informs me that very few West Indian or Indian workers are affected by redundancy in the automobile electronic and other allied industries. The second part of the Question does not, therefore, arise.

Mr. Brockway

While recognising the absolute right of British subjects to come to this country, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is not aware that at the E.M.I. works at Hayes and at the Southern Forge in Slough, a considerable number of these workers have been dismissed under the rule of "last in, first out," not because of the colour bar? In view of this tendency, would it not be well, in their own interests, to sound this kind of warning?

Mr. Hare

My information is not quite the same as the hon. Gentleman's. I understand that there have been about a dozen dismissals of West Indians at Slough. Every effort is being made to find other work for those men, and I hear that two have already found jobs. On the point of sounding a warning, I would inform the hon. Gentleman that my right hon. Friend has attached to the Colonial Office welfare liaison officers from the Jamaican and other West Indian Governments, and they are kept informed of the employment position in this country. If there were to be any serious prospect of unemployment, my right hon. Friend would inform those Governments.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether his right hon. Friend is in consultation with the Jamaican Government arising out of the interesting and valuable Report on this question that has been submitted to the Jamaican Government and published recently? Would not the adoption of some of the recommendations in that Report be the best way of dealing with the problem in this country?

Mr. Hare

I am sure that my right hon. Friend will take heed of what the right hon. Gentleman has said.

Mr. Osborne

In view of the fact that 40,000 Jamaicans are expected in the country this year, and as the principle of "last in, first out" will be applied, irrespective of colour, ought not the Colonial Secretary to see that this warning for which the hon. Member for Eton and Slough (Mr. Fenner Brockway) asked, is sounded very well and truly in Jamaica?

Mr. Hare

I have already informed the hon. Member for Eton and Slough (Mr. Fenner Brockway) that my right hon. Friend is watching this matter very carefully, and if in his opinion a warning is necessary I am sure that warning will be given.