§ 44. Mr. Dribergasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many ex-Service men are now unemployed in Jamaica and in other parts of the West Indies; and, if in view of the inadequacy of the resettlement so far achieved, he will introduce new and more far-reaching schemes for the resettlement of West Indian ex-Service men, both in the West Indies and in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsFull registration of unemployed is not yet in operation in Jamaica and other West Indian Colonies, and it is not possible to say what proportion of the estimated numbers of unemployed is made up of ex-Service men. The West Indian Colonial Governments have introduced schemes for the resettlement of their ex-Service men, and they are fully aware of my right hon. Friend's anxiety that everything possible should be done to assist these people on their return to their homes. Every effort will be made to place in employment West Indian ex-Service men who remain in this country or return here to seek work, but it is not proposed to establish any special scheme for this purpose.
§ Mr. DribergCould my hon. Friend give the estimated number of unemployed that he referred to in his answer? Is he aware that these British subjects, some thousands of whom are now out of work in Jamaica, I believe, feel themselves at a disadvantage in comparison, for instance, with the Polish Resettlement Corps?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsI gave the latest estimated figures of unemployment in an answer to the hon. Member for Bodmin (Mr. D. Marshall) on 25th February. There are 50,000 unemployed in Jamaica, The machinery of the Ministry of Labour is, of course, at the disposal of these men in this country.
§ Mr. DribergDoes that mean that those of them who can get here can work here?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsThey can apply.
§ Mr. GammansCan the hon. Gentleman say why the Colonial Office have not recruited these unemployed ex-Service men in Jamaica for the groundnut scheme in East Africa, instead of recruiting Italians?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsThat is another question.