§ 34. Commander Sir Archibald Southbyasked the Minister of Works whether, in view of the urgent necessity for building houses and the prevailing shortage of British labour, he will consider utilising the services of the prisoners of war now in this country.
§ The Minister of Works (Mr. Duncan Sandys)A small number of Italians are at present employed on work connected with war damage repairs and temporary housing in London. Further substantial additions are being made in the course of the next few weeks.
§ Sir A. SouthbyHas my right hon. Friend consulted the leaders of organised labour in this country on this matter, and can he say whether they have welcomed the suggestion or opposed it?
§ Mr. SandysSatisfactory arrangements have been made with trade unions for the employment of prisoners in the most convenient way.
§ Sir A. SouthbyHave not the Russians used prisoners of war to a large extent to rebuild their cities, and could we not do the same?