HC Deb 31 October 1946 vol 428 cc773-4
41. Mr. Frank Byers

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is prepared to allow German prisoners of war, due for repatriation, to remain in this country as agricultural workers on normal rates of pay, where they desire to do so; and to whom such applications should be forwarded in the first instance.

Mr. Ede

The answer to the first part of the Question is "No, Sir," and the second part therefore does not arise.

Mr. Byers

In view of the continuous statements from the Lord President of the Council and the President of the Board of Trade about the shocking manpower shortage in this country, is it not time that the Government reconsidered their attitude to people who want to work here and are willing to do so?

Mr. Ede

We also have to have regard to security considerations.