HC Deb 25 February 1947 vol 433 cc265-6W
94. Mr. Byers

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will undertake an exhaustive survey of all existing camps and hutments in preparation for sponsored immigration of foreign workers; and if he will publish a report as soon as it has been completed.

Mr. Ness Edwards

Such a survey is now in progress. As regards publication my right hon. Friend does not think this would serve any useful purpose.

96. Mr. Lipson

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he has taken to secure the agreement of the representatives of organised labour to the employment of foreign workers to make good the shortage of manpower in this country; and what progress has been made.

Mr. Isaacs

As I informed the House on 11th February, agreement to the employment of Poles has been reached with a number of industries where there is a shortage of labour and consultations are in progress with others. Agreements have also been reached for the employment of other foreign workers in certain cases and I have in hand arrangements for expanding recruitment. I propose to continue my discussions on the question of the employment of foreign labour with the Joint Consultative Committee of the National Joint Advisory Council later this week.