§ 36. Mr. Nealasked the Paymaster-General to what extent the manpower in the coal mines has been increased by the introduction of Hungarian miners.
§ Mr. MaudlingNo Hungarian refugees are yet ready for work in the mines. As stated by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour on 21st February, a number of them are at present undertaking a course in English.
§ Mr. NealWhen does the Paymaster-General expect any substantial number of these refugees will be capable of becoming effective units of production? Can he further inform the House whether it is a fact that they are being paid £8 a week from the day they landed in this country, and whether this expense will be borne by the National Coal Board or shared by the Treasury?
§ Mr. MaudlingI cannot, without notice, answer the question of how much they are paid or from what source, but a number of these men are trained mineworkers from their own country. They are being taught. English, and then they will be given such further training as is necessary. It would be difficult to estimate in any individual cases exactly how long that will take.
§ Mr. FellCould my right hon. Friend persuade even the Opposition not to talk of Hungarians as "units of production"?
§ Mr. NealCan the Paymaster-General tell us whether it is a fact that some of these refugees have absconded from the camp where they were placed, and whether they will be allowed to assimilate themselves into other industries?
§ Mr. MaudlingThat seems to me to go far beyond the Question on the Order Paper.
§ Mr. MaudlingI cannot, without notice. I shall be glad to do so with notice.