§ 12 and 14. Mr. Skeffington-Lodgeasked the Minister of Labour (1) whether, in the case of those ex-prisoners of war who applied, and were allowed to stay here to help in agriculture, and who wish to continue in service after 1948 but are not in a position to renew their farm contracts, he will consider retaining them in this country is some useful capacity instead of forcing them back to Germany against their wills;
(2) whether, in the case of those ex-German prisoners employed in agriculture who were previously resident in countries outside Germany and who are anxious to remain in useful work in this country after 1948, he will consider affording them European Volunteer Workers' status and transferring them to hostels.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsNo, Sir.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeDoes not my right hon. Friend agree that this is a most foolish decision to have taken in view of the shortage of British labour in agriculture and other industries?
§ Mr. EdwardsNo, Sir. We do not regard this as a foolish decision at all. Our first obligation, as I have said in this House many times, is to the victims of the Germans who are now in Germany, and we are bringing them over here as fast as we can. If there is accommodation or work available anywhere, it is these displaced persons who should have first priority.
§ Mrs. Leah ManningMay I ask my right hon. Friend whether he will reconsider the situation in cases where these men have lost their jobs with one farmer, through no fault of their own, but have been offered jobs with other farmers?
§ Mr. EdwardsNo, Sir. We have plenty of European Volunteer Workers in this country now. We are very anxious to place them and at this time of the year the problem is very pressing.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeDoes not the right hon. Gentleman recognise that his answer means that the number of displaced persons in Germany will be increased as a result of the Government's policy?
§ Mr. EdwardsIf Germans are displaced in Germany I am afraid it is a consequence of their own irresponsible action.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeIn view of the thoroughly unsatisfactory answer, I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.