HC Deb 15 May 1947 vol 437 cc1699-700
53. Mr. Beswick

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men from the Polish Resettlement Corps who had been found civilian employment by the last available date; and the number still serving in that corps.

Mr. Ness Edwards

11,541 members of the Polish Resettlement Corps had been placed in civilian employment by 8th May. At that date there were somewhat fewer than 80,000 in the corps.

54. Mr. Beswick

asked the Minister of Labour the average length of time it is expected that men will serve in the Polish Resettlement Corps; and the rate of payment received during that time.

Mr. Ness Edwards

The policy is to secure the orderly release of members of the corps to civilian work in this country or overseas as soon as possible. The rate depends on many factors, such as the capabilities of individuals, the openings available, and on progress in learning English. I could not give an average stay in the corps. Members of the corps are paid at rates which, allowing for taxation, are approximately comparable to those they received in the Polish Armed Forces.

Mr. Beswick

Is my hon. Friend aware that the rate of pay given to these men is much higher than the maintenance grants given to British ex-Servicemen undergoing a rehabilitation course, and in many cases, much higher than the amount which these people would earn in civilian life, which is probably one reason why there has been such a slow rate of entry into civilian employment?

Mr. Ness Edwards

I am aware of that, but we have undertaken to train these men, and that is the basis of an undertaking given in this House during the Debate on the Polish Resettlement Corps. I am prepared to look into the matter, but I cannot give any undertaking.

Mr. H. Hynd

Would my hon. Friend consider fixing a maximum period for these men to remain in the Corps?

Mr. Ness Edwards

I think that would be really impossible. If these men are prepared to work, but there are no vacancies and no one asks for them, they ought not to be penalised. Equally, I am not prepared to encourage them to stay in the Corps when there is any employment for them.

Mr. Pritt

Would the Minister consider allowing British ex-Servicemen to join the Polish Resettlement Corps so as to get this better treatment?

Mr. Ness Edwards

The Act, in the Debate in which the hon. and learned Gentleman took part, prevents British men from joining the Corps.