HC Deb 10 February 1948 vol 447 cc205-6
27. Mr. Piratin

asked the Secretary of State for War how many Poles are stationed outside the United Kingdom; and when does he expect them to be returned to this country or repatriated.

Mr. Shinwell

The number is 3,235, some of whom have chosen to remain abroad as immigrants or will be returned direct to Poland. I hope that the movement of the rest to the United Kingdom will be completed in the next two months.

Mr. Piratin

With regard to those who propose to remain as immigrants, is it not the practice of the Ministry, with regard to British troops, that they must return to the place of mobilisation before demobilisation, and would he institute that practice with these men, as, otherwise, they might easily be a nuisance in the Middle East?

Mr. Shinwell

I doubt whether I have the power to enforce their return to this country, but I will take what measures are open to me.

Sir T. Moore

Does this Question include the number of Poles stationed in Russia?

Mr. Shinwell

I cannot say.