HC Deb 24 June 1947 vol 439 c176
11. Mr. Beswick

asked the Minister of Labour whether a displaced person brought over to this country is, after any given period of time, free to leave one industry for another.

Mr, Ness Edwards

No, Sir. Change of employment is in all cases subject to the consent of the Ministry of Labour.

Mr. Beswick

Is the right hon. Gentleman's Department likely to give permission for a person to change from one industry to another after, say, a period of one year?

Mr. Ness Edwards

It would depend on the merits of the particular case, but we would not look with favour on a man moving from an undermanned industry to one which is overmanned.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

What sanction has the right hon. Gentleman got to secure that people do not change without his approval?

Mr. Ness Edwards

The sanction is to send them back again.