European Volunteer Workers

HC Deb 03 February 1948 vol 446 c1618

13. Mr. Randall

asked the Minister of Labour what is the position of E.V.W.'s who have completed their year's contract in the cotton industry.

Mr. Isaacs

It is a condition of the recruitment of European Volunteer Workers that they undertake employment approved by the Ministry of Labour and this condition is not limited as to period. There is no employment contract for one year only and the position does not therefore change when this period expires.

Squadron-Leader Fleming

Is it not a fact that the European voluntary workers in the cotton industry generally have given great satisfaction?

Mr. Isaacs

I could say "Yes," but I should like to go a little further and say that not only have they given great satisfaction and excellent results in that industry, but in every industry where they have been employed.

Mr. Randall

Is it true that a European Volunteer Worker cannot leave an industry after 12 months?

Mr. Isaacs

No. European volunteer workers can leave an industry, but they can only take such other employment as is approved by the Ministry of Labour. In other words, they cannot run away from an undermanned industry and compete in an industry which is overmanned.