HC Deb 16 December 1947 vol 445 cc307-8W
40. Mr. Hogg

asked the Minister of Labour why an ex-employee of a Macclesfield firm manufacturing accessories for textile machinery, 50 per cent. export, of which particulars have been given, has been told by the local employment exchange that he must go on outside sewer work; whether the man was directed; or by what authority this information was given.

Mr. Isaacs

This young man, aged 25 years, single, mobile, was unemployed. He was offered work in four alternative first preference vacancies but refused and later sought permission to take up work of a less essential nature. This permission was at first withheld in view of the urgency of the preference jobs. He has now started in the work of his choice.

44. Mr. Hogg

asked the Minister of Labour what are the terms of the letter to the High Commissioner for Eire setting out the arrangements for the direction of Eire citizens resident in this country; and whether the Eire Government has agreed thereto.

Mr. Isaacs

I have already written to the hon. Member giving him this information. As he is now aware, the present arrangements provide that citizens of Eire resident in this country are subject to direction to employment under Defence Regulation 58A. In practice, if a citizen of Eire is directed, he is given, if he so wishes, an opportunity to return to Eire as an alternative to complying with the direction. As regards the last part of the Question, I would invite the hon. Member's attention to the reply I gave him on 9th December.

93. Mr. Hogg

asked the Minister of Labour on what terms and conditions direction of labour is applied to citizens of the Dominions, other than Eire, resident in this country; and whether the High Commissioners have been consulted or have agreed thereto.

Mr. Isaacs

Arrangements were made with the Commonwealth countries during the war covering the use of directions under Defence Regulation 58A in the case of their citizens. No fresh approach has been made to them since it was decided that a limited revival of the use of directions was necessary.

100. Mr. Byers

asked the Minister of Labour if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a copy of the form now being issued by employment exchanges exempting persons from the operation of the Control of Engagement Order; and on what basis such forms are issued to persons seeking work.

Mr. Isaacs

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the form, and also placing a copy in the Library. Permits are issued to persons whom my local offices find difficulty in placing and who, they consider, can best find work by their own efforts.

Mr. Hogg

asked the Minister of Labour on what terms and conditions direction of labour is applied to citizens of the United States of America resident in this country.

Mr. Isaacs

The possibility of such an event arising is so remote that the Question is largely hypothetical.