§ 1. Mr. Brookeasked the Minister of Labour whether the performance of some kind of national service, or useful work, is obligatory, as with British citizens of comparable age, upon men and women of enemy nationality who have been deemed friendly to this country and are therefore free from internment?
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Bevin)Yes, Sir. I have power under the Defence Regulations to direct persons of all nationalities into work which they are capable of performing. A large proportion of the persons to whom my hon. Friend refers are already working in civilian employment directly related to the war effort and many are serving in the Pioneer Corps and the Women's Auxiliary Services. I am, however, reviewing the position of all aliens registered under the International Labour Force Registration Orders in order to see how the services of those not yet fully employed on essential work can best be utilised.