HC Deb 22 January 1941 vol 368 c200W
Mr. Wedgwood

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that German or Austrian refugees, who served in the Pioneer Corps and were discharged on medical grounds, are still subjected to the same restrictions applicable to aliens; that these people, who fought in the British Army, have still to apply for permission to work and have none of the amenities accorded to ex-service men; and will he remove automatically all restrictions that apply to foreigners in the case of former soldiers in His Majesty's Forces of German or Austrian origin who had to leave the Army for reasons for which they were not responsible?

Mr. Peake

It is regretted that it is not possible to grant exemption from the aliens restrictions to all foreigners discharged from His Majesty's Forces on medical grounds, but my right hon. Friend recognises that such persons deserve special consideration and accordingly directed the police in November last to submit particulars of persons so discharged in order that their cases might be individually considered. In addition, it is open to any alien discharged from His Majesty's Forces to apply for exemption. At present, such aliens are freely given permission by the Ministry of Labour to take employment.