§ 44. Mr. Piratinasked the Minister of Labour how many displaced persons have now entered this country to work here; what are the numbers from each country; and what industries they have entered or are entering.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Ness Edwards)Approximately 10,000 European volunteer workers have been brought over from the displaced persons camps in the British zone of Germany. They 'consist almost entirely of Balts and Ukrainians, but the precise numbers of each nationality are not readily available. They are being 20 placed in the essential undermanned industries such as agriculture, textiles and laundries as well as in nursing and domestic work in hospitals and farmers' households.
§ Mr. BeswickHave people placed in an industry to give an undertaking to remain in that particular industry, and what is the period for which they have to remain in that industry?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsThey have been asked to stay in an industry for 12 months. They can move about in the industry with the consent of the Ministry of Labour, but they are expected to remain in the undermanned industries for 12 months.
§ Lord John HopeThe hon. Gentleman said that precise numbers are not readily available. Does he mean that there is no check being kept on the nationality of displaced persons?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsThat check is being kept in Germany, and it would mean getting the information from there. If a Question is put down information can be supplied.
§ Mr. PagetHow long, on the average, is it taking to place these people into industry after their arrival?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsThe placing of the Balts and Ukrainians is proceeding satisfactorily. Indeed we are afraid that it may prejudice some of the other foreign workers who are already here.
§ Mr. Sidney ShephardCan the Minister say whether these displaced persons are the same as the European volunteer workers?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsYes, Sir.
§ 64. Mr. Piratinasked the Minister of Labour whether applicants from among displaced persons who wished to work in this country are screened before being admitted; who is responsible; and the percentage that have been refused entry following screening.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsSelection of displaced persons for employment in this country is made by my officers on the basis of industrial suitability. No displaced person, however, comes within the field of recruitment for employment in this country who has not previously been 21 screened as a condition of receiving displaced person's status. This screening is undertaken by U.N.R.R.A. and the Control Commission jointly and is designed to exclude from displaced person's status collaborators, quislings and war criminals. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs regrets that figures are not readily available of the numbers of persons rejected by these bodies for displaced person's status.