HC Deb 22 January 1957 vol 563 cc23-4
32 and 33. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Labour (1) what number of vacancies are registered for coal miners at employment exchanges; whether Hungarian immigrants are being considered; and how many Hungarian ex-coal miners are seeking employment in the United Kingdom;

(2) what steps have been taken by his officers to secure employment of Hungarian immigrants in the Yorkshire coal field.

72. Mr. Russell

asked the Minister of Labour how many vacancies for miners exist in the coal industry at present; how many applications to fill them have been received from Hungarian refugees; and how many Hungarians have been engaged.

Mr. Iain Macleod

There are 4,700 immediate vacancies in coal mining notified to employment exchanges at present but I understand that about 9,000 extra men could be usefully employed by the National Coal Board over the next few months if they could be recruited at a steady rate and in areas of need. Information is not available centrally of the number of Hungarians who have been identified on interview as ex-coal miners, but my Department and the National Coal Board are seeking to interest all suitable Hungarian immigrants in coal mining employment. About 2,500 have been accepted as potential coal miners. They must first undertake a 12-weeks' course in English. Their allocation to the various coal fields thereafter is a matter for the National Coal Board.

Mr. Nabarro

Can my right hon. Friend say to what extent the legitimate desires of many of these Hungarian immigrants to work in the pits are being frustrated by the attitude of the National Union of Mineworkers?

Mr. Macleod

I think we should recognise first that a great number of people of foreign extraction work in the coal mines at the present time—indeed, no fewer than about 10,000 Poles, E.V.W.s and Italians. The attitude of the National Union of Mineworkers, indeed of all the trade unions, I know is intended to be helpful in this instance. There are, of course, local difficulties. I assure my hon. Friend that I am willing to intervene, but I am quite certain that in this matter it would do harm if I did.

Mr. J. Griffiths

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he does not welcome the wholehearted welcome given by the President of the N.U.M. to any proposal to recruit Hungarians for the mines in this country? Will the right hon. Gentleman inform some of his back benchers how very essential it is, before Hungarians or any other foreigners work in our coal mines, that they should be taught basic English because of very important safety factors? As one with experience of this industry, I know that that is one of the difficulties.

Mr. Macleod

I do not think that that is in dispute. I agree with my hon. Friend in very much hoping that these people will be accepted in the coal mines of this country, where there is immense need for their work, and where, I am sure, they will do excellent work.