17 and 18. Mr. Vaneasked the Minister of Labour (1) what is the approximate cost to date of administering the scheme "Westward Ho";
(2) what is the estimated approximate cost per head of bringing European volunteer workers to this country, such 960 cost to include a fair figure for camp maintenance on the Continent, for transport and for the Ministry of Labour staff operating the scheme.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsThe approximate cost incurred to the end of October, 1947, of administering the "Westward Ho" scheme is £780,000. This represents the cost to the Ministry of Labour and National Service of selecting the European volunteer workers in Germany and Austria, of bringing them from the German frontier to this country, and of maintaining them until placed in employment. The figure excludes the cost of camp maintenance charges, etc., on the Continent, as this cost is borne by the Preparatory Commission of the International Refugee Organisation. The estimated approximate cost per head was £29.
Mr. VaneDoes the right hon. Gentleman consider that this cost is reasonable, in view of the figures which have been recently given? Is not the cost per head something like £260?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsI think the figure is extremely reasonable for the job of recruiting people on the Continent, bringing them here, keeping them in camps until they are ready to be placed in work, and then finding them a job.
§ Sir Waldron SmithersIs any dollar expenditure involved in bringing these people here?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsNo, Sir.
§ Sir W. SmithersHow does the right hon. Gentleman know?