§ 32. Mr. Hurdasked the Secretary of State for War if he will now state Government policy as regards the maintenance and employment in this country of Polish soldiers; and the probable cost to be borne on public funds during this current financial year.
§ Mr. BellengerI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to the hon. and gallant Member for South Paddington (Vice-Admiral Taylor) on 16th October, a copy of which I am sending to him. As stated in a reply to the hon. Member for Mile End (Mr. Piratin), on 30th July, the net cost of pay, allowances and maintenance of the Polish Land Forces under British command and the Polish Resettlement Corps during the financial year 1946–47 is estimated at about £33 million.
§ Mr. HurdHas the right hon. Gentleman any proposal which would lead to the making of immediate progress in the solution of this question? Will the Government take the opportunity of this week's conference in Brighton to try to get agreement, especially from the Mineworkers' Union and the Agricultural Workers' Union, so that these Poles may earn their keep while they are in this country?
§ Mr. BellengerI think that question could be more appropriately addressed to another Department.
§ Mr. HurdOn a point of Order. May I point out that I put this Question to the Prime Minister, and it was transferred to the Secretary of State for War?