§ 6. Sir Percy Hurdasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that there are skilled and qualified engineers in the Polish and other Allied Forces at present stationed in this country; and whether he will approach the military authorities concerned to secure at any rate the temporary release of those who speak English so that these engineers may work in British factories and thus allow their special skill to be used where it will best serve the Allied war effort?
§ Mr. BevinMy information is that there may be a small proportion of men with skill in the engineering trades in some of the Allied armed forces, but that the number is likely to be of any substantial character only in the case of the Polish forces. The Polish authorities have already released a certain number of engineering technicians for civilian employment and loaned the services of a still larger number of other men to British industry. I have no information as to whether the Polish authorities, having regard to the needs of their own forces, would be in a position to go further in this direction, but I propose to consult them in the matter, in agreement with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War.
§ Sir P. HurdWill the Minister see to it that these consultations cover the areas of Edinburgh and Glasgow?
§ Mr. BevinI can only deal with the Polish or any of the other Allied Governments, and not as affecting particular districts.