§ 10. Mr. SIMMONDSasked the Minister of Labour whether, in order to relieve the shortage of certain highly-skilled workers, he will make provision, on repayment, to assist the return here of British citizens now resident in foreign countries who possess the necessary skill and experience?
§ Mr. E. BROWNI am advised that there is no statutory authority to cover the grant of advances to assist the return of British citizens now resident in foreign countries who wish to obtain employment in this country.
§ Mr. SIMMONDSIn view of the large number of skilled British workers who went away after the War, particularly to the United States, would not my right hon. Friend consider carefully whether he could not take advantage of this 471 favourable opportunity to get those workers back to this country?
§ Mr. BROWNSince the hon. Member put down this question, I have made inquiries as to the number of applications in recent months, and I do not find that they bear out his description of "a large number," but perhaps the hon. Member has some particular cases in mind.