HC Deb 21 June 1915 vol 72 cc943-4W
Sir WALTER NUGENT

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what steps, if any, the Irish Labour Exchanges have taken to facilitate the transfer of agricultural labourers from Ireland to Great Britain who are desirous of engaging in farming work there; if he is aware that the Labour Exchange in Dublin has been informed that there are a large number of persons in Achill willing and anxious to go to England and Scotland for the harvest; and what steps are being taken for their transfer, immediate employment on their arrival being assured?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The Irish Labour Exchanges have made special arrangements with a view to obtaining information with regard to agricultural labourers in Ireland who desire to undertake work in Great Britain. A very small number of labourers in Ireland have, however, made use of these-facilities. I am aware that the Dublin Labour Exchange has been informed that there are a large number of persons in Achill who desire to come to Great Britain for the harvest, and I propose to do everything possible to facilitate their transfer so soon as I have definite information with regard to the employment which they can take up upon their arrival.