HC Deb 15 July 1946 vol 425 cc872-3
88. Mr. Keeling

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that inspectors and sergeants of the Shanghai Police Force, who were asked by the British Government to remain at their posts during the first two years of the war and were, in consequence, imprisoned by the Japanese, have since come to England at the invitation of the Government, with a view to employment in a police force at home or abroad, but have been refused such employment; and whether further efforts will be made to find police work for them.

Mr. McNeil

In view of the advice given to these men to stay at their posts after the outbreak of war in 1939 and the circumstances in which they lost their employment, my right hon. Friend has interested himself in helping them to obtain employment. They were not invited to come to this country but were informed of certain possibilities of employment should they do so. In fact, out of approximately 140 members of the former Shanghai Municipal Police Force, about 50 have now obtained posts, and vacancies for a similar number have been brought to the notice of those concerned. Efforts will continue to be made, in consultation with other interested Government Departments, to assist these men.

Mr. Keeling

Has the Under-Secretary considered the case I sent him, of an experienced police inspector of 42 to whom the only job offered was that of a night watchman? Cannot the Government, who admit they have responsibility in this matter, do better than that?

Mr. McNeil

Naturally I considered the case, as I do every case sent by hon. Members. I am afraid the hon. Gentleman has not his facts accurately in mind. In fact, this applicant was over age for the home force and he was offered a temporary post in the Middle East. For reasons perfectly acceptable to himself he refused that post.

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