§ Sir R. Glynasked the Minister of Labour whether it is intended to bring under the present regulations for calling-tip for military service those aliens, now of military age, who came to this country as refugees from Nazi persecution, in the years immediately preceding the war; how many have voluntarily joined the Pioneer Corps or other units; and whether, having regard to the man-power position to-day, he will consider taking special steps to render them liable to National Service in spite of their technical foreign nationality?
§ Mr. BevinThe great majority of the aliens referred to in the Question are of enemy origin, and it is not proposed to extend to them liability for compulsory military service under the National Service Acts. As regards the second part of the Question, it would not be in the public interest to give figures for the number of men who have voluntarily enlisted. So far as the employment of these foreigners in National Service of a civilian character is concerned, a very large number are already employed in agriculture and in industries connected with the prosecution of the war, and are performing praiseworthy service. I already have power to issue directions to such foreigners to undertake civilian employment. All such persons are required under the International Labour Force (Registration of Austrians, Germans and Italians) Order, 1941, to register their industrial particulars, and every effort is being made by my officers to enable those so registered, who have not yet obtained suitable employment, to play their part in the war effort so far as general considerations of security permit.