HC Deb 17 December 1946 vol 431 cc355-6W
115. Colonel Hutchison

asked the Minister of Labour to what extent Polish labour is now to be utilised in industry; and in what trades.

Mr. Isaacs

Subject to consultations with employers and workers organisations in any industry employing appreciable numbers, members of the Polish Resettlement Corps will be eligible for submission to any vacancies for which there is no suitable and willing worker on the exchange register and in respect of which wages and conditions of employment are not less favourable than those which would be offered to a British subject in a similar capacity.

Mr. Edelman

asked the Minister of Labour how many Italian workers he intends to introduce under contract into British industry; how they are selected; and how they are allocated.

Mr. Isaacs

The only Italians who are being brought to this country for employment in British industry at present are foundry workers, numbering not more than 2,800, under a scheme agreed with the two sides of the industry. The men will be selected in Italy by a panel appointed by the Ministry of Supply, consisting of a technical officer and one representative each of the employers and trade unions concerned. They will be allocated to vacancies in iron foundries where the management and workpeople are willing to receive them and where the necessary accommodation within daily travelling distance can be found

Mr. McAdam

asked the Minister of Labour what trade unions have agreed to the employment of European displaced persons in industry in this country; and what trade unions are opposed to such a practice.

Mr. Isaacs

Official recruitment of displaced persons is at present limited to the filling of domestic vacancies in our sanatoria, hospitals and similar institutions.