HC Deb 27 April 1948 vol 450 cc185-6
9 and 10. Mr. Prescott

asked the Minister of Labour (1) how many European voluntary workers have been introduced into the United Kingdom;

(2) of the total number of European voluntary workers permitted into the United Kingdom, how many are married and how many single; of those married, how many are male and female; and in how many cases both husband and wife have come to the United Kingdom.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Ness Edwards)

54,700 European volunteer workers have arrived in this country; 8,000 were known to be married, including 3,500 married couples. The position regarding nationalities is still, broadly, as stated in the reply given to the hon. Member for East Willesden (Mr. Orbach) on 17th February.

Mr. Prescott

What has been the total cost of bringing these people here?

Mr. Ness Edwards

I cannot say without notice.

Mr. Stokes

What is the difference between a married couple and a married person?

Mr. Ness Edwards

I was talking about persons brought over here as married couples. A married person can be brought over here by himself. A married couple means a man and his wife.

Earl Winterton

Are any of these people displaced persons in the technical sense of the word?

Mr. Ness Edwards

Most of them are displaced persons.

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