HC Deb 26 February 1948 vol 447 c2122
48. Mr. Anthony Greenwood

asked the Minister of Labour why there is no intention at present of allowing repatriated German prisoners of war to return to this country for normal civilian employment.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Ness Edwards)

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Bedford (Mr. Skeffington-Lodge) on 19th February, of which I am sending him a copy.

Mr. Greenwood

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his answer, may I ask him to bear in mind that there are many thousands of ex-German prisoners who wish to help this country, and would he say whether or not it is the view of the Government that there is sufficient manpower in this country?

Mr. Ness Edwards

This problem must be considered from the point of view of the needs of this country first; the moral obligation to victims of the Nazis, secondly, and the convenience of Germans comes third.

Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

Would the Minister also bear in mind that a considerable number of German prisoners who have gone home are unemployed, when they could all the time be doing useful work over here, if they were allowed to return?

Mr. Ness Edwards

It is no use my hon. Friend pressing for Germans to remain here, while there are victims of Nazism in Germany who ought to be here and could be doing valuable work.