§ 5. Mr. Osborneasked the Minister of Labour why the two investigators from the Cotton Board have not gone to German displaced persons camps seeking for suitable labour to help in the Lancashire cotton mills; and who has withheld permission for their departure.
§ Mr. IsaacsPermission has not been withheld and arrangements are being made for an investigating party, including representatives of the Cotton Board, to leave at an early date to investigate the possibilities of recruiting displaced persons for this purpose.
§ Mr. Prescottasked the Minister of Labour what is the policy of His Majesty's Government with regard to the importation of foreigners to work as operatives in Lancashire cotton mills.
§ Mr. IsaacsI will assist and encourage any suitable scheme for the employment of foreign labour in the Lancashire cotton mills that is acceptable to and agreed upon by the employers and workers in the industry. I would also refer to the answer I have given today to the hon. Member for Louth (Mr. Osborne) with regard to the possible recruitment of displaced persons for this purpose.