HC Deb 10 February 1948 vol 447 cc206-8
33 and 34. Mr. H. Hynd

asked the Secretary of State for War, (1) whether he can give a date by which all members of the Polish Forces who do not return to Poland will cease to be maintained by the British taxpayer;

(2) how many members of the Polish Forces have not agreed either to return to Poland or to join the Polish Resettlement Corps.

Mr. Shinwell

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a Question by the hon. Member for Mile End (Mr. Piratin) yesterday. The great majority of the members of the Polish Forces still in this country are now at civilian work, and the resettlement of the small balance is proceeding as rapidly as possible.

Mr. Hynd

As the reply given yesterday gave only a general answer, can the Minister give any outside date by which this matter will be cleared up?

Mr. Shinwell

I hardly think my hon. Friend is accurate about the reply given yesterday. It was not general in character; it was very complete, because it said that approximately 1,400 Poles in this country administered by my Department have refused to be repatriated and had not entered the Resettlement Corps.

Mr. Tiffany

Is my right hon. Friend aware that Poles are being denied facilities to join the Resettlement Corps?

Mr. Shinwell

I am not aware of that.

Squadron-Leader Fleming

Is it a fact that the only members of the Polish Forces now in this country are those who are to be deported by the Home Secretary?

Mr. Shinwell

I think that is a question which should be put down to my right hon. Friend.

Mr. Stokes

May I ask if my right hon. Friend will take all the steps he possibly can to ensure that these artificial obstacles against the employment of Poles are removed?

Mr. Shinwell

I am not aware of artificial obstacles.

Professor Savory

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that hundreds of these Poles have informed us that they are afraid for their security if they return to Poland, and can he do anything to reassure them on this point?

Mr. Shinwell

It may be that they are apprehensive of what will happen; I cannot say, but that should not preclude them from rendering what useful services they can while in this country.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Is the Minister in a position to say how many are in Scotland, and how they are employed there?

Mr. Shinwell

I am afraid not without notice.

Mr. Hynd

Can the Minister give some assurance that there will be some limit to the time during which these Poles will be kept at the expense of the British taxpayer?

Mr. Shinwell

The numbers are being gradually run down, and we are doing everything possible to have them repatriated or absorbed into civilian work in this country. It is quite impossible to make a firm commitment as to the actual date when the whole matter will be resolved.

Mr. McKinlay

Will the Minister give favourable consideration—when dealing with this aspect of the Poles who will not work—to directing them to the dog tracks, along with the other spivs?

Mr. Collins

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, in areas where these Poles are in encampments, the local inhabitants are seriously perturbed at the fact that there does not appear to be any inclination on their part to work, and that that is one of the reasons for the pressure to get a date by which this matter may be finally resolved?

Mr. Shinwell

It may be that there are some recalcitrants among them, but when they are recalcitrant they are on reduced pay and certain facilities are not made available to them as to the others. We must make it quite clear that we cannot generalise about the Poles. Many of than are doing useful work.

Mr. Rankin

Can my right hon. Friend tell us of any Poles who have returned to Poland to the danger of their personal safety?