HC Deb 22 April 1948 vol 449 cc158-9W
48. Mr. Prescott

asked the Minister of Labour what is estimated to be the cost of introducing 40,000 European voluntary workers into the textile industry.

Mr. Ness Edwards

It is estimated that the cost of recruiting European volunteer workers for the textile industries will be in the neighbourhood of £30 per head but this figure may be subject to variation in the light of further experience. It includes the cost of selecting workers, of bringing them from the Continent and of maintaining them until placed in employment.

49. Mr. Prescott

asked the Minister of Labour of the 3,500 European voluntary workers placed in the textile industry in Lancashire, how many are respectively, male and female; of such numbers, how many males and females, respectively, are married; in how many cases husband and wife are both in this country; and how many males and females, respectively, have now working dependants in this country or desirous of coming to this country.

Mr. Ness Edwards

The total quoted by the hon. Member comprises approximately 3,000 women and 500 men. The rest of the information asked for is not available and could only be obtained by detailed examination of individual records.

50. Mr. Prescott

asked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement on the results of the recent British mission to Europe to investigate recruitment of European voluntary workers for the textile industry.

Mr. Ness Edwards

This mission was composed of representatives of employers associations and trade unions in the cotton and wool industries. The mission expressed itself in favour of the recruitment of Austrian women and Volksdeutsche, subject to certain safeguards.