HC Deb 15 October 1942 vol 383 cc1735-6
8. Mr. Mander

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider the advisability of extending the panels set up to advise the Ministry of Labour in the calling-up of Czechoslovak, Belgian and other Allied subjects to the case of Austrians?

Mr. Bevin

The panels to which my hon. Friend refers are drawn from officials of my Department and of the Allied Governments concerned. My hon. Friend will appreciate that the position as regards Austrians is not analogous.

Mr. Mander

In view of the very special position of Austrians, does the Minister not consider he might sympathetically consider the possibility of extending these panels to them too?

Mr. Bevin

My hon. Friend will appreciate that in dealing with Allied problems, I must synchronise my action with that of the Foreign Secretary. I try to keep in step as much as I can.

Mr. Mander

Will the Minister consider getting in touch with the Foreign Secretary?

Mr. Bevin

We are constantly in touch.

Miss Rathbone

Could the Minister not also extend these panels to victims of Nazi oppression of German nationality who have been repudiated by the present German Government?

Mr. Bevin

So far as the International Labour Force is concerned, while these people are not dealt with on the basis of Allied Government arrangements, it must not be assumed that they are neglected. They are dealt with through the International Labour Branch of my Ministry.

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