HC Deb 13 March 1947 vol 434 cc1486-7
47. Mr. Osborne

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that large numbers of middle-class young men who normally supply the technical and administrative staffs are leaving England for the Dominions; and if he will take steps to induce them to stay at home and help with the vital problems of reconstruction.

Mr. Isaacs

No information is available as to the number of men, of the type referred to in the Question, who are leaving this country for the Dominions, but I have no reason to think that the number is large, especially having regard to the limited shipping available. As regards the second part of the Question, the Government's view is that the advantages of migration within the British Commonwealth considerably outweigh the relatively small loss of manpower to this country.

Mr. Osborne

Is the Minister aware that if all the young doctors who wish to go abroad were allowed to go abroad there would be a serious danger of the Health Act not being worked? [HON. MEMBERS: "Nonsense."] It is not nonsense.

Mr. Isaacs

We have no information upon that point.