HC Deb 15 February 1944 vol 397 cc22-3
45. Mr. Craven-Ellis

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider issuing an Interim Report on the problems of resettlement in peace-time employment of persons demobilised from the Forces and from war industries, which is having the attention of several Government Departments concerned under the general direction of the Ministerial Committee on Reconstruction Problems.

The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

The resettlement in peace-time employment of persons demobilised from the Forces and from war industries will involve a wide range or provisions and projects and will form part of the Government's general plan for the transition from war to peace. These are all the subject of active consideration at the present time and some resettlement plans have, in fact; already been brought before the House. I am not prepared, at this stage, to say what would be the most appropriate method and time for presenting the Government's plans on resettlement as a whole.

Mr. Craven-Ellis

Does the right hon. Gentleman recollect that I put a similar Question some seven or eight months ago, and that I then asked for an interim report? May I ask him again to see that we have a report, so that we may be satisfied that the Government are doing something about post-war reconstruction?

Mr. Attlee

The hon. Member is getting more than a preliminary report.

Mr. Turton

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider publishing a White Paper on the Government plans both on demobilisation and resettlement, so that the country can see that we have got a plan and know the deails of that plan?

Mr. Attlee

Yes, at the appropriate time.