HC Deb 05 June 1947 vol 438 cc382-3
55. Mr. Piratin

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many Poles are employed in the various departments of the Civil Service; and how many are being trained in supplementary pensions and unemployment assistance works.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

One thousand, one hundred and none, respectively.

Mr. Piratin

Would the Minister tell the House the purpose of training 1,100 men in this particular Service, and whether it is in connection with the municipal service or in connection with the Resettlement Corps?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

They are civilian Poles, and they are engaged on temporary work only.

Mr. Piratin

The main point of my question was, is it intended that these Poles should take the place of British civil servants in the performance of this work?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

No, Sir. As I said, they are engaged on temporary work in connection with the settlement of Poles who happen to be in this country.

Mr. W. J. Brown

While I agree that the employment of Poles is wise and expedient, I would ask the Minister to see, if the occasion arises for the discharge of redundant civil servants, that no unnecessary trouble is caused by the retention of Poles while our own people may be discharged. I shall be grateful if he will bear that point in mind.

Mr. Glenvil. Hall

Certainly, Sir. That strikes me as commonsense. Because of the language difficulty, these Poles are very useful in dealing with their compatriots.