§ 19. Major NEWMANasked the Minister of National Service whether, before further drafts are made on British manpower, he will take steps to make available for work of national importance all friendly or neutral aliens of military age whose countries do not require their return for military service or who belong to countries with whom no convention for military service exists or to a country with whom such convention has been annulled; and will he take steps to ensure that in no case is any foreigner allowed to acquire permanently the business or position of a British subject called up for service?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTER of NATIONAL SERVICE (Mr. Beck)I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for North Somerset on the 14th of December last, and I am glad to say that, as the result of arrangements which have now been completed with the other Government Departments concerned, measures have been taken for the purpose of utilising, to the fullest possible extent, in work of national importance, the services of all suitable aliens, including those of the class 17 referred to in the first part of his question. With regard to the second part of the question, much has already been done, with the assistance of the Local Government Board, to safeguard the interests of men called up for service, and I may add that very shortly we hope to be able, under a new Defence of the Realm Regulation, to prevent either foreigners or other persons from opening new retail businesses or branches without a licence.