HC Deb 27 February 1947 vol 433 cc2277-8
53. Mr. Harold Neal

asked the Minister of Labour if any recruitment of displaced persons is taking place in Ger many or Austria for work in the British coalmines.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Ness Edwards)

No, Sir. We are today meeting representatives of the industry to discuss this question.

55. Mr. Goronwy Roberts

asked the Minister of Labour what steps have been taken to increase the flow of displaced persons female labour for domestic employment in this country.

Mr. Ness Edwards

During the initial period between October, 1946, and the end of the year displaced persons for hospital domestic work were arriving in this country at the rate of 100 per week. In the three sailings since 27th January, 526 arrived. Every effort is being made to increase the flow to a target of 500 per week as soon as possible, but owing to the hold up caused by the very severe weather in Germany it will be some little time before this target can be achieved.

Mr. Roberts

While I thank the Parliamentary Secretary for that answer, may I ask him if he will give an assurance that the highest possible priority will continue to be given to health institutions generally in this matter?

Mr. Ness Edwards

I think we already have enough people recruited in Germany to come over to fill all these vacancies, and then we propose to relieve the hardship on the farmer's wife and others.

Major Legge-Bourke

What percentage of the people coming will be single, and will the hon. Gentleman give some assurance that families are not being unnecessarily broken up?

Mr. Ness Edwards

The vast majority of these are single or unattached.