asked the Minister of Labour in view of the urgent need for greater production, what action he proposes to take in view of the recent decision made by the Amalgamated Engineering Union under which all Poles employed in that industry are being compelled to leave their jobs.

The Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Trade Unions have informed me that they are unable to conclude a national agreement on the employment of Poles in engineering or to take any further action in the matter. I am now taking the matter up with the individual Unions and have asked for an early meeting of the Amalgamated Engineering Union Executive to discuss the point raised by the hon. Member. The effect of this decision on the production of mining machinery and electrical plant is one of great seriousness.

Does not the Minister agree that unless he takes definite action in this matter, he will surrender to a trade union the right to decide how many men shall work in a particular industry?

I do not know what body other than the industry itself has the right to decide in the light of existing circumstances, but that point does not arise. We have been negotiating with the Federation in the hope that we might reach an overriding agreement with all the unions. That has not been possible, however, and we now have to go back to negotiations with separate unions and we are hoping that there will be some success in that direction.

Is the Minister aware that in some very important engineering industries, especially in my Constituency, employers are dismissing their workpeople at 65 by reintroducing an old prewar rule that at 65 men must leave their employ, and that if this is continued it will aggravate the difficulties already existing in the industry?

I fail to see what that has to do with the Question asked.

The right hon. Gentleman has correctly emphasised the difficulty and importance of this matter, but can he hold out any hope that he will be able to make a statement before the House rises?

I would not go so far as to say that I can hold out hope, but should I reach any conclusions I will certainly make a statement. The difficulty is that the two chief officers with whom we wish to negotiate are temporarily out of the country.

Can the Minister say how many men are involved?

Not without notice. They are involved in a great number of firms in very small numbers. In one firm, for example, six men are involved out of 700 employees, but this is causing serious interference with the flow of production.

Vice-Admiral Taylor:

Can the Minister inform the House on what grounds objection is made to the employment of Poles?

Since I have to negotiate with the unions, I think it is as well not to say things which will upset them before I start.