HC Deb 11 May 1948 vol 450 c1939
10. Mr. Beswick

asked the Secretary of State for War what training courses are available to officers in the Polish Resettlement Corps for which they are now granted six months' leave with pay.

The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Shinwell)

The only training courses for which officers of the Polish Resettlement Corps may be granted leave with pay are those which the officers themselves have arranged privately, on their own initiative, with civilian educational establishments or private firms. Permission to attend such a course is given to an officer only if the Minister of Labour advises that it is likely to lead to his satisfactory resettlement in civilian life.

Mr. Beswick

These men have been told that they can now have the special concession of six months leave with pay to undertake certain training courses, yet they are unable to find out what those training courses are. Surely when making this concession the Secretary of State must have had in mind that certain training courses were available? If so, will he state them?

Mr. Shinwell

This is entirely a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour.

Mr. Beswick

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Minister of Labour, to whom I first put the Question, said that this is my right hon. Friend's business?

Mr. Shinwell

It obviously cannot be my business exclusively, because it relates to members of the other Services.

Mr. Beswick

Does my right hon. Friend authorise me to go to the Ministry of Labour for the information I desire?

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