HC Deb 05 March 1947 vol 434 cc457-8
4. Mr. Gammans

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many British subjects from the United Kingdom are at present employed by U.N.R.R.A; and if he is in a position to offer any alternative employment to them when their present contracts come to an end.

Mr. Mayhew

I am informed that the number is 2,699. We have for some time been trying to help U.N.R.R.A. in the disposal of their British staff. A substan- tial number will, it is hoped, find suitable employment with the International Refugee Organisation which I hope will soon be established, and with other United Nations organisations and services. Many others of the staff who are secretaries, clerks, messengers and drivers, should have no difficulty in finding employment in this country. The U.N.R.R.A. Director of Personnel is in touch with Government Departments here, and a number of vacancies have already been offered U.N.R.R.A. in Government service both here and abroad.

Mr. Gammans

In view of the fact that many competent and experienced men went into this organisation, thinking that it had a greater degree of permanency than in fact it has, will the Government try to find them alternative employment where they can use their experience and knowledge?

Mr. Mayhew

In general, we shall do what we can.