HC Deb 15 July 1947 vol 440 cc213-5
13. Mr. Geoffrey Cooper

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is now prepared to state a specified date for demobilisation of all Polish Forces in this country, after which all men in these forces will have to take up profitable employment in this country, or be in training for such work and the remainder repatriated.

Mr. J. Freeman

No, Sir, but His Majesty's Government are most anxious that all these Poles should return to Poland or failing that join the Polish Resettlement Corps and take up productive work at the earliest possible moment. Members of the Polish Forces must not think that they can continue indefinitely to be paid and maintained in this country as members of those Forces.

Mr. Cooper

Does my hon. Friend realise that this decision is being shelved week after week, month after month, and are not the public of this country justified in expecting that a decision shall be taken, instead of paying out monthly £250,000 in pay indefinitely?

Air-Commodore Harvey

Will the hon. Gentleman say what is the time limit for these men to join the Resettlement Corps and will he go into this matter much more carefully and make a statement to the House at a future date so that we may understand what is to be the future of these men?

Mr. Freeman

Making a statement at a future date is one thing, but I do not think it would be advisable to put a precise term to it now. I would remind my hon. Friend that it was not the impression of the House that the decision was being shelved when my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary made his statement recently.

Mr. Scollan

Is the Financial Secretary aware of the tremendous amount of indignation caused in Scotland by the fact that a large number of able-bodied men have been living there and doing nothing for the past 18 months?

Mr. Cooper

Can my hon. Friend make some definite statement now on this matter, since the public are becoming rather exasperated by this continual shelving of a decision which they feel should be taken?

Mr. Freeman

There is no continual shelving of a decision which should be taken. I have made a categorical statement of what we feel with regard to the future of these Poles. As regards the precise date by which it can be achieved, I think it would be unwise to say definitely.

Earl Winterton

Is it not the case that these men fought most gallantly for the Allies and thereby set an example to some?

Mr. H. D. Hughes

Can the hon. Gentleman say what sanction his Department has to make sure that when these men have joined the Resettlement Corps they are genuinely willing to take up suitable employment?

Mr. Freeman

With regard to that question they join the Resettlement Corps for that purpose, and they remain under military discipline while in it. With regard to the noble Lord's question it is, of course true that many of them did so serve.

Squadron-Leader Fleming

Would the hon. Gentleman tell us what is being done with those Poles who have refused to join the Resettlement Corps or to do any work?

Mr. Freeman

I suggest that the hon. and gallant Gentleman should read the statement by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary on 10th June.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister aware—

Earl Winterton

Hear, hear. Three cheers for Moscow.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister aware that these gallant Allies are not being fairly treated by being kept in useless idleness as they are at present, and that their presence would be an advantage to their own country?

Mr. Skeffington-Ledge

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that it has been brought to the notice of each of these men that His Majesty's Government are of the opinion that his duty is, in each case, to return to Poland and to help in its reconstruction?

Mr. Freeman

I have looked into the matter personally, and I am completely satisfied that every one of these men has been made plainly aware of his responsibilities.

Air-Commodore Harvey

In view of the hon. Gentleman's most unsatisfactory reply and lack of knowledge on the subject, I beg to give notice that I propose to raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.