The notice to which the hon. Member refers gives particulars of the wages paid to skilled engineers, whether French or British, in the establishment in question, and states that only single men will be considered.

The minimum weekly earnings of the men amount to 154 francs approximately, while the combined cost of board and lodging is 105 francs, leaving a balance of 49 francs. It is not contemplated that men going to take up this work are men who need to remit money home, and the rate of exchange does not, therefore, affect the position.

No pressure of any kind is brought to bear on unemployed men to accept the vacancies, and in view of the fact that considerable numbers of men have availed themselves of the openings, I am not prepared to deprive unemployed skilled engineers of the opportunity of considering the matter.