§ Mr. Callaghanasked the Minister of Labour what progress he is making in recruiting foreign workers for industries that seem likely to be permanently short of workers; and what steps he is taking, in his negotiations with the trade unions, to make it clear that sub-standard conditions in the industries concerned must be improved, and that precautions will be taken to prevent future unemployment among the workers at present in the industries affected.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply to the hon. Member for Northern Dorset (Mr. Byers) on 17th October, 1946, where the limitations on the importation of skilled workers were indicated. The only scheme now being arranged is one, which is agreed with the representatives of both sides of 351W the industry, for bringing Italian foundry-men to this country for employment so long as British workers are not available. My right hon. Friend is confident that this scheme cannot cause unemployment amongst workers at present in the industry. No unskilled workers are at present eligible for permits to enter the country for industrial employment.