Letter from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries to an M.P. about an agricultural employment scheme, 3rd February, 1948 (LAB 43/12)
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries,
55, Whitehall, S.W.1
3rd February, 1948.
Dear Ness,
I’ve thought carefully about the question of the employment in agriculture of 100 St Helenans which you mentioned to me, and, subject to your discussions with the Unions, we will offer an engagement to these people on the understanding that they can stay here for only one year, that they will work for one or two Committees who are prepared to accept them and that they will be accommodated in hostels provided specially for them.
I think you will agree with me that any publicity given to this scheme ought to emphasise the value of training British Colonial subjects rather that the need to relieve unemployment difficulties in St. Helena.
I would like to be present when you are meeting the unions to discuss this question, although my own feelings are that all negotiations with them should be conducted by you.
Yours sincerely
George Brown [Parliamentary Secretary]
The Rt. Hon. Ness Edwards, M.P.
Ministry of Labour and National Service,
St. James’s Square,
S.W.1