HC Deb 15 October 1945 vol 414 cc664-5
18. Vice-Admiral Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the ban prohibiting the Poles in this country, who do not desire to return to Poland, from taking up employment in this country will be lifted.

Mr. McNeil

I understand from my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service that no such ban exists and I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend to the Members for South Portsmouth (Major Sir J. Lucas) and Hornsey (Captain Gammans) on 11th October.

Vice-Admiral Taylor

Will the Minister state the conditions under which these discharged men may take up employment?

Mr. McNeil

There is no distinction between the nationals to whom my right hon. Friend refers, and any other aliens temporarily resident in this country. As to the conditions applying to registration, that is, of course, a matter for the Minister of Labour.

Vice-Admiral Taylor

Can the Minister say what are the conditions under which they can take up employment later on?

Mr. McNeil

I do not think I shall have to apologise for not knowing the answer, because this is a matter for the Minister of Labour.

Mr. Sydney Silverman

Is it not the case that work cannot be accepted unless the Minister of Labour gives special permission in each individual case; and is that permission only given if the work is approved?

Mr. McNeil

In reply to the first part of the question, that is not my information. As to the second part, I think that is a question which ought to be put to the Minister of Labour.