HC Deb 04 February 1947 vol 432 cc1554-5
23 and 24. Mr. Francis Noel-Baker

asked the Minister of Labour (1) how many of the 58,000 Poles in this country who are still in uniform are employed, respectively, on Polish administration, maintenance of their own camps, other War Department work and civilian work;

(2) what civilian work is now being performed by Poles in uniform in this country who have not enrolled in the Resettlement Corps.

Mr. Isaacs

There are 36,360 on Polish administration and maintenance of their own camps, 21,462 on other War Department work and 493 on civilian work in agriculture. It is not possible to state how many of the latter have not enrolled in the Resettlement Corps, because enrolment is still in process.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Will the right hon. Gentleman remind his hon. Friend that 1,903 Polish airmen were killed in the Battle of Britain and afterwards, and that all of us were, at one time, glad to see their uniforms in our streets?

Mr. Isaacs

I did not quite get the point of that question, but I think I understand its spirit, which was that this House and the country should bear in mind with some respect the services which Poles gave to this country.

Mr. Scollan

While paying tribute to those Poles who rendered us service during the war, may I ask whether that is an excuse for placing on the Scottish people the burden of keeping an army of them doing nothing, when they ought to be doing some useful work?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Is it not a fact that the vast majority of Poles are desperately seeking employment in this country?

Mr. Gallacher

Let them get employment in their own country.

Several Hon. Members

rose

Mr. Speaker

We had better get on with the next Question.