HC Deb 19 January 1944 vol 396 cc185-6
78. General Sir George Jeffreys

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether Italians who are to work on the roads will be men with experience of road construction and maintenance; and whether it is proposed to withdraw for road work any of those now doing agricultural work.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport (Mr. Noel-Baker)

I am glad to assure my hon. and gallant Friend that the Government are doing and will do their best to ensure that Italians who have special skill in the maintenance or construction of roads shall be directed to that work. In answer to the second part of the Question, it has recently been agreed that 550 Italians now employed in agriculture shall be transferred to work on transport and communications, and some of these will be employed on road works.

Sir G. Jeffreys

Can my hon. Friend say whether agriculture is in a position to spare these 550 men; why it is proposed to take them; what it is proposed to pay these workmen and who is to see that they earn their money properly?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I cannot give a reply to that question to-day, but if my hon. and gallant Friend will put it on the Paper I will endeavour to do so. This arrangement has been made in agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture and I think my hon. and gallant Friend will see that it is in the interests of agriculture that the roads should be kept in adequate condition.

Commander Locker-Lampson

Has the time not come to use German prisoners for this work?

Mr. Noel-Baker

That is a Question which should be addressed to the Minister of Labour.