asked the Minister for External Affairs what steps he has take to ensure better living conditions for migratory workers in Britain, particularly for potato workers in Scotland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Living Conditions of Migratory Workers in Britain.
15.
I had an inspection made of the accommodation provided for seasonal workers in Ayrshire, in respect of which complaints had been received. Strong representations were then made to the appropriate local authorities on the need for strict enforcement of the comprehensive bye-laws and regulations governing the provision of such accommodation.
I am arranging to have a further investigation made now at the outset of the new season, and if unsatisfactory conditions still obtain, I shall take whatever action may be open to me to secure an improvement.
Would the Minister consider examining the fact that people in this country who receive £1 per head for sending children across to potato fields in Scotland are not fully aware of the living conditions the children must tolerate when they go across there?
I find it hard to credit that in the area where these workers come from the conditions they are to meet across the water are not fully known to their parents and to all their neighbours.