HC Deb 16 March 1948 vol 448 c1854
6. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Labour how many foreign people have been found employment by his Department since 1945; how many have been trained; how many members of the Polish Resettlement Corps are engaged in training and what they are teaching; how many Europeans it is expected will be found employment; and in what industry.

Mr. Isaacs

The answer to the first part of the Question is, about 104,000, to the second part, 11,000, to the third part, 6,500 mainly in coalmining. It is not possible to forecast how many volunteer workers from the Continent will be recruited, but it is hoped to provide sufficient workers to meet the full requirements for foreign labour of the undermanned industries, particularly coalmining, agriculture and textiles.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Can we be told what is the purpose of members of the Polish Resettlement Corps being engaged in training as teachers if there are British men and women to be employed?

Mr. Isaacs

I must admit I was rather confused by the phraseology of my hon. Friend's Question. I read his Question to mean being taught, instead of teaching. I will look into it from that point of view.