§ 31. Mr. Beswickasked the Minister-of Labour how many applicants are waiting for admission to vocational training centres; and how many applications have been refused to date on grounds of un-suitability or ineligibility.
§ Mr. Ness Edwards21,884 persons are now awaiting admission to training centres. 11,960 have been rejected on grounds of unsuitability or ineligibility.
§ 32. Mr. Beswickasked the Minister of Labour if he will give an assurance that the proposal to bring men of the Polish Army to this country and provide them with resettlement training will not further delay the training of those British ex-Servicemen now waiting for admission to vocational training centres.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsYes, Sir. I can certainly give that assurance.
§ Mr. BeswickMay I ask the Minister whether these Poles will be under the same restrictions when taking employment as are other aliens or will they be privileged?
§ Mr. EdwardsI should require notice of that question. The matter is now being worked out by a committee.
§ Mr. Ronald ChamberlainWould the Minister go a little further and give us an assurance that as far as actual jobs are concerned our own ex-Servicemen will have an absolute priority?
§ Mr. EdwardsI think I can give that assurance.
§ Sir Ralph GlynMay I ask the hon. Gentleman whether, in connection with the training of Poles for industry, he proposes to establish separate bases where they can have a chance to learn the language as well?
§ Mr. EdwardsThat matter is under consideration.