§ 18. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Labour what recent action he has taken in respect of cases where men needed for employment have not been employed be cause of colour prejudice on the part of their prospective fellow employees; and what consultations have taken place on this matter between the officers of his Department and the trade unions.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI am aware of a recent case of this kind which has received some publicity. My officers have not been asked to intervene, but I understand that the employers are in touch with the trade union concerned, which is investigating the matter.
§ Mr. SorensenWhile appreciating the very good and useful work done by both the officers of the right hon. Gentleman's Department and the trade unions, may I ask him if it is not customary in cases like that for efforts to be made and the initiative to be taken by a local officer to try and clear up the matter?
§ Mr. MacleodMy officers at local employment exchanges do not exercise discrimination in any way, and when they see employers exercising it they do everything they can to persuade them not to pursue that particular line. In this case, we have not been asked to intervene. Although I will watch the position, it is probably best to leave it at the moment between the employers and the trade unions, who, I believe, are having a local meeting about it.