HC Deb 22 June 1948 vol 452 cc1107-8
9. Mr. Heathcoat Amory

asked the Minister of Labour what action is being taken to hasten the absorption of the 29,800 men still in the Polish Resettlement Corps into productive employment.

Mr. Ness Edwards

We have placed 67,000 in jobs. The remaining members of the Corps are being systematically interviewed and offered suitable employment. If they unreasonably refuse to take it, they are discharged from the Corps. The rate of placing at the moment is 500–600 a week and it is hoped to increase this.

Mr. Amory

Does not the right hon. Gentleman find it rather difficult to reconcile the existence of nearly 30,000 men without productive employment with the continuing shortage of manpower in the basic industries?

Mr. Ness Edwards

No, Sir, having regard to the fact that in the Polish Resettlement Corps there is a substantial number of rather elderly men and a lot of disabled men. Very many have never had any training for heavy manual employment. On the whole, the scheme is now going well.

Sir Ralph Glyn

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the wives of some of these men are to be brought back from East Africa soon in order to enable them to return to Poland.

Mr. Ness Edwards

I understand that we have now almost finished that traffic and practically all have been brought back. I think the last shipload came last week.

Mr. Collins

Can my right hon. Friend say if there is any duration of time for which these men are allowed to remain in the Polish Resettlement Corps?

Mr. Ness Edwards

Certain pledges were given to the House at the time when we discussed the Bill relating to the matter. I think I may say that it is the Government's intention to wind up this Corps by the end of the year.

Mr. Tolley

Can my right hon. Friend say how much longer these men will be allowed to remain in this country when they refuse to take any employment?

Mr. Ness Edwards

If my hon. Friend reads the answer which I have given, he will see we are dealing with that matter.